In 1987, a small T-shirt store in Manila began a journey that would redefine Philippine retail. That store was BENCH/, the flagship brand of Suyen Corporation, founded by visionary entrepreneur Ben Chan. What started as a modest venture quickly evolved into a lifestyle powerhouse, and at every stage of growth, one partner has been there: BDO Unibank.
A Partnership Built on Trust and Vision
From the outset, Suyen Corporation understood that scaling a business requires more than creativity and hard work. It demands strategic financial partnerships.
“From the very start, we recognized that partnering with a trusted bank was fundamental to the success of our business,” shared Virgilio Lim of Suyen Corporation. “What began as a purely depository relationship with BDO has evolved into a comprehensive partnership, from credit lines and co-branded products to capital loans, that continues to support our growth today.”
Over 38 years, this relationship has grown into a model of how banking and entrepreneurship can work hand-in-hand to fuel expansion, innovation, and resilience.
Today, Suyen Corporation manages 18 homegrown brands and 42 international labels, including Aldo, Jo Malone, Charles & Keith, Paul Boulangerie, and Marugame. With over 1,500 stores worldwide, the company has expanded into both traditional and emerging markets, bringing Filipino retail excellence to the global stage.
BDO’s role has been pivotal, from funding construction projects and providing capital for expansion to implementing systems like automatic credit arrangements that streamline operations with suppliers and landlords.
“BDO has been a reliable partner in various aspects of our operations,” said Bryan Lim. “They have supported construction projects, provided capital for expansion, and facilitated systems that help us work more efficiently.”
Operational Excellence at Scale
Behind the scenes, BDO’s Cash Management Services ensure smooth day-to-day operations. Payroll solutions, deposit pick-up services, and POS integration across all BENCH/ stores nationwide keep the business running efficiently, a critical factor when managing a retail empire.
The company’s growth is now symbolized by Bench Tower, Suyen Corporation’s 24-storey headquarters in Bonifacio Global City. Built to Green Mark and LEED Platinum standards, it reflects the company’s commitment to sustainability while providing the operational capacity to scale further.
Beyond Business: Building a Legacy
Suyen Corporation’s impact extends beyond retail. The company supports over 9,000 jobs, collaborates with more than 700 local suppliers, and champions Filipino heritage through initiatives like Ternocon, a partnership with the Cultural Center of the Philippines that reimagines the traditional Filipino Terno for modern times.
For BDO, supporting Suyen is about more than transactions, but it’s about enabling a vision.
“Helping Filipino brands like Bench scale responsibly means more than business success,” said Charles Rodriguez, BDO’s Executive Vice President and Head of Institutional Banking Group. “It’s about showcasing the best of the Philippines to the world, generating livelihood, and fostering innovation.”
The Entrepreneur’s Takeaway
The Suyen-BDO story is a blueprint for entrepreneurs:
- Start with a clear vision and a product that resonates.
- Build strategic partnerships that can grow with you.
- Invest in operational efficiency to sustain scale.
- Stay rooted in your values while expanding globally.
As Ben Chan reflects, “Our relationship with BDO has remained strong from the beginning and continues to thrive today. For 38 years, they have made us feel truly valued. Their team is responsive, accommodating, and reliable in delivering consistent client service.”
From a single store to a global lifestyle empire, Suyen Corporation’s rise, powered by a trusted banking partner, proves that with vision, strategy, and the right alliances, Filipino brands can conquer the world.
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