At 47, actress Sunshine Cruz continues to prove that age is just a number, even on the runway of an underwear fashion show.
Sunshine confidently represented the Gen-Xers alongside fellow actress Ina Raymundo during the Bench Body segment at the Bench Fashion Week Holiday 2024.
The event took place at the Playground in Bench Tower on Sunday, September 1, 2024.
Sunshine made heads turn with her bikini body, donning an eye-catching orange bikini top paired with a sleek black bikini bottom and a tulle skirt.
The chic ensemble was styled by Francis Chee.
As expected, Sunshine's post was brimming with fire emojis and congratulatory messages from her celebrity friends, including Melissa Mendez, Ruffa Gutierrez, Arlene Muhlach, and Rayver Cruz, among many others.
Following her runway appearance, Sunshine took to Instagram on September 3, 2024, to express her gratitude for the flood of compliments and positive feedback she had received.
She wrote, published as is: "Thank you for your amazing comments. Your encouragement inspires me to give it my all.
"To all the incredible women, especially moms & Gen Exers out there, let’s show the world that age is no barrier.
"By taking care of ourselves & our health, we can achieve great things.
"I’m looking forward to the next Bench fashion show in March and can’t wait to make it even more spectacular. [emoji]"
In another heartfelt post, she thanked Ina for her encouraging words and camaraderie, highlighting the strong bond and mutual support between them.
Sunshine wrote, "Shout out to women who smile at and compliment other women” Really appreciate the words of encouragement @inaraymundo95.
"I am so happy to be doing this with you my fellow mommy. Our backstage chats are always a highlight. [emoji] You’re an amazing and beautiful hot momma! [emoji] #benchfashionweekholiday24"
SUNSHINE CRUZ: MAINTAING HER FIGURE
PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) also had a quick chat with Sunshine about the experience.
For the mother of three, there's nothing to be embarrassed about walking down the runway at her age, even with three teenage kids.
Sunshine expounded, "We shouldn't be shy. We shouldn't be embarrassed. We should be proud. Age is just a number... Age is just a number and ako, together with Ina Raymundo, we are very, very happy to represent the Gen X-ers."
PEP also asked Sunshine about her preparations for the fashion show.
She said, "Workout, three to four times a week. And of course, yun ang kailangan. Number one talaga. Proper diet and workout."
In an Instagram post on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, Sunshine shared more details about her preparations, revealing that she began weightlifting four months before the event.
Her full caption read: "Started weight lifting in April. Four months in and loving the results! @coach.iya has been a fantastic source of motivation and guidance. Still a work in progress. Remember, moms and ladies, with a little discipline, anything is possible. [emoji]"
When asked about aging, Sunshine shared that wisdom is the sexier and more empowering aspect of it, beyond maintaining a healthy lifestyle and a well-toned physique.
In her words, "Empowering [part of aging is] knowledge. Mas maraming kaming alam sa buhay."
BENCH FASHION WEEK HOLIDAY 2024: BENCH BODY HIGHLIGHTS
Titled Vernissage, the Bench Body fashion show featured a star-studded line-up of celebrities.
Sunshine, along with Ina Raymundo proudly representing the G-Xers, led the underwear fashion show.
Joining them were Sparkle talents Max Collins, Rere Madrid, Shaira Diaz, Kelvin Miranda, Bruce Roeland, Royce Cabrera, and Pamela Prinster.
Additionally, the runway shone with the presence of ABS-CBN stars Kaila Estrada, Kira Balinger, Jameson Blake, Elyson de Dios, and Lou Yanong.
Vernissage also featured Mark Rivera and Teejay Marquez from ALV Talents, along with South Korean star Kim Won Sik and VivaMax actor Chad Moreno.
Preceding their walk, choreographer Nunoy Revlon delivered an electrifying vogue performance to the event attendees.
Among the beauty queens seen on the runway were Miss Eco International 2024 1st runner-up Chantal Elise Schmidt, Miss International Queen 2022 Fuschia Anne Ravena, Miss World Philippines 2024 Krishnah Gravidez, Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas 2024 Dia Mate, Miss World Philippines 2021 Tracy Maureen Perez, Miss World Philippines 2021 1st Princess Riana Pangindian, Universal Woman 2024 winner Maria Gigante, Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi, Miss Supranational Philippines 2021 Dindi Pajares, and Miss Grand International 2022 5th runner-up Roberta Tamondong.
The pageant kings spotted were Mister Grand Philippines 2024 aspirant Jayden Fernandez, Mister World Philippines 2024 Kirk Bondad, Mister Global Philippines 2024 Daumier Corilla, and Mister Global 2023 2nd runner-up Alvaro Carvajal from Chile.
Models and Century Tuna Superbods 2024 finalists also turned up the heat on the runway, notably with winners Jether Palomo and Justine Felizarta.
Joining them were finalists Aaron Beau Davis, Derick Hibaler, Carlo Adorador, Naia Ching, Teodora Marie Reiss, Keylyn Trajano, alongside renowned models Ria Bolivar, Shaun Pelayo, and Josh Barfuss.
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