Bench The Naked Truth Show to Feature Hot Filipino-Swedish Model

Get ready Philippines as Devon Spence takes the country by storm. This handsome and charming six foot, 25 year old who was born to a Filipino father and Swedish mother is coming to Manila for the very first time. He will be part of the big annual Bench fashion extravaganza happening on September 19 at the Mall of Asia arena. His resume reads like any model’s dream from working with the biggest brands—from Z Zegna, Ralph Lauren, Original Penguin, and Abercrombie & Fitch. He has been featured in GQ and L’Uomo Vogue and has worked with legendary photographers like Bruce Weber and Albert Watson. As an actor, he is appearing for the first time in a movie scheduled to be released at the end of the year.

Born and raised in Florida, Spence started out as a model, a career in New York for five years then moved to LA to pursue acting and modelling at the same time. He has retained his “Pinoy touch” not only by indulging in Filipino cuisine, his favourite lumpia, but has made his connection even more meaningful by sponsoring an indigent child in Legazpi in the Bicol.

How long have you been modeling?
I have been modeling for five years since my mom dropped me off in a little studio in Miami and said "Good Luck!"

What was your first job?
First job I can remember was a campaign for Hollister shot photographed by legendary photographer Bruce Weber with about fifty other models. The best part was getting my first real feel of what it's like to work on a professional level. I have yet to meet another photographer who can capture so much in one shot including an inner beauty of person the way Bruce Weber can.

Tell us the ad campaigns you have done and other photographers you have worked with?
I've done quite a few ad campaigns and definitely the most I've ever done this year. The biggest one I believe I have done is the most recent for Z Zegna. Actually this was something I had always wanted to do since I started modeling. I love parkour and gymnastics, but to be doing tricks in a sport suit is unbelievable. Working with Laura Holmes production was a blessing and to have been part of a project with Director Jacob Sutton was an absolute privilege. The pictures are epic and I've only seen clips of what the commercial is to be, but I know your going to love it. I'm happy to have have worked with two very talented martial artists/stunt performers. They train as much as I dance. I also had the pleasure of working with Adam Kirley, the man who jumped from crane to crane in Casino Royal! I enjoyed every moment that we were in Milan. I'm really excited for the release of this campaign this year. It was an experience I'll never forget.

What’s the most important thing in your life at the moment?
At any moment the most important thing to me is not letting someone down. My words and time are very important and I value them as much as I value another's. I know that you can't please everyone, but I can still try. You can't be perfect, but I think I can get very close. But more importantly my family is the most important thing to me. They raised me to uphold a certain level of respect and always told me to be myself and to always be humble. They have supported me at every turn and the best way I can give back to them right now is to be consistent with who I am.

How would you describe yourself?
I would describe myself as extremely ambitious. Everyday I strive to be doing something towards my career goal, to dance, to act, to get fit, to find healthier sources of food and to educate myself in anything.

What’s your life in LA like? What do you do for sports/fitness?
I've lived in LA for over a year now and I love it. The weather is always bright and sunny with a breeze and there are many beaches to hang out at. We have the Tempest Freerun academy there where I like to spend part of my time training. I usually do my ab workouts on the rooftop where I'm closest to the sky. I love Bikram yoga and I'm a huge fan of Soul Cycle.

Describe your family to us? How ‘Pinoy’ are you?
I am the oldest of my siblings. My brother is an artist and a US marine just like my dad. My dad is pretty tech savvy and is one of my best friends. He and I love gadgets. My oldest sister is a go getter digging her hands into anything and everything she can to make money and takes care of two cute huskies. My youngest sister is a good mother and always has a smile on. My mother is very organized and taught me what it means to respect women. My grandmother from my dad's side is the closest member I know that speaks Tagalog in our family and she is unstoppable, always sewing, cooking, or planning a party and taking care of my grandpa who always makes me laugh.

What’s your favorite Filipino food?
There are so many foods I love and used to love. Its much more difficult to answer now that I am a vegetarian, but my favorite Filipino foods have always been lumpia and rice cakes (bibingka). My grandma adds a special licorice flavoring.

It will be your first time coming to Manila, how do you feel?What are you looking forward to?
I've refrained from looking at any pictures that may build up an expectation. I want it to be like a good movie without having seen the trailer. I'm super excited to visit Manila. It's going to be both a surprise and a wonderful experience. To step foot on Philippine soil I imagine for me will be equivalent to walking on the red carpet, a dream come true!

You will be part of the big Bench show, your thoughts?
I'm ecstatic to have even been considered for it. To me this is the biggest show in the Philippines and I just hope I don't disappoint anyone. Everyone asks me if I'll ever be in the Bench show and I can now happily say “yes!”

What would you like to tell your fellow Filipinos?
You should always do what makes you happy and if you don't know what that is then do something, anything. Even something you think just might make you happy. It is the path you travel that carries all the joy and not the destination itself. No one knows where they will be or how they will get there, but as long as you are moving forward reaching for some goal you will be opening doors you never knew existed and if you can stop to breathe every so often and enjoy the present then I feel you've already made it. Mabuhay!

Devon Spence is represented by Christian Alexander of Front Management. In the Philippines please asdinq@yahoo.com for bookings and inquiries.