The unexpected accomplished path of Christine Cheryl Benet

Fashion was never Christine Cheryl Benet’s first choice, for her degree nor as a career. In fact, she had envisioned herself taking up Accountancy, Chemistry, or even Engineering in college. Her parents, however, saw something different. They believed — as only loved ones can — she ideally belonged in the clothing industry, which offered limitless opportunities for both business and employment, and steered her toward Clothing Technology.

The obedient Benet earned her Bachelor of Science in Clothing Technology from the University of the Philippines Diliman (UP Diliman), followed by a Master of Technology Management at the same institution.

Her arduous desire to keep on learning eventually brought her to Italy on a full scholarship at the Politecnico di Milano in 2010 under the Milan Network Design Project. There, she joined outstanding students from around the world to observe, study and practice new technologies in textile innovation, product development, material performance, comfort and ergonomics — gaining valuable insights which would later shape both her academic and professional career.

Ironically, teaching was another fulfilling vocation she hardly expected.

“Teaching was not part of my life plan. However, when I came across students who had so much passion to learn and desire to uplift the industry, my strong resolve to share knowledge with the next generation has never-ever faltered in the last 24 years. My commitment to elevate the industry transcends beyond the classroom, beyond the campus.”

That unfailing commitment found an ideal home at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (Benilde) in 2014 when she enthusiastically joined the Fashion Design and Merchandising (FDM) program as a part-time faculty member under then-chairperson Lulu Tan-Gan. Seeing Benet’s credentials and previous experience as SoFA’s academic director, Tan-Gan immediately entrusted her with curriculum writing and project coordination. Together, they excitedly revisited the program, strengthened its curriculum, and introduced initiatives which enriched student life outside the proverbial four walls. She became chairperson, then associate dean.

Students likewise recognize her as one of the two pioneers of Sinulid, the college’s annual culminating fashion presentation, which in turn, has since become one of the institution’s most anticipated presentations.

While at school, Benet assisted in establishing fruitful partnerships with the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Textile Research Institute (DoST-PTRI). This eventually expanded to ongoing collaborations with other DoST offices, which, among several projects, opened the portals of the college to continuous jewelry research.

After years in administration, she stepped away from her post to devote more time to her growing son while accepting consultancy work for DoST, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and several private manufacturing corporations.

Today, she once more leads another important chapter as director of Slim’s Fashion and Arts School, An Institution of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, where she fervently hopes to further strengthen technical and creative education.

Her specialization has also recently taken her to Portugal through a research grant on the cultural mapping and digitalization of heirloom fine jewelry. Together with fellow educators, she studied the country’s renowned filigree jewelry ecosystem by visiting four institutions to acquire innovative techniques and best practices that may eventually be introduced through Benilde and Slim’s programs.

Despite everything she has effectively accomplished, Benet still truly believes there is always something new to discover. “I believe my main strength is my never-ending eagerness to learn new things. I am always willing to take the risk of the first step — for it is the only way to open the path for the next generation.”

We sat down with the fashion expert, and this is what she had to say:

On the fashion and merchandising life

“The industry is all about change. Whatever you learn today may no longer be relevant in five years. Design is very cutthroat, while manufacturing and the technical are more stable. However, it is constantly challenged by globalization and the high cost of labor and materials. The Philippines is blessed with talented creatives, but we have limited access to resources.”

On the Portugal visit

“Compared to other European countries, the cities of Portugal are more quaint. They are very passionate about preserving their jewelry and watchmaking industries. The government and industry stakeholders are united. Each region is recognized for its own artistry, and tourism supports these traditions. At the same time, they have assay systems to authenticate their crafts.”

On Sinulid’s growth

“We are very thankful for the overwhelming support. The challenges and sleepless nights of mounting the events through the years have always been worth it and very fulfilling. There was a time when the students wanted to change its name, but we realized the strong foothold of Sinulid was undeniable. So we decided to continue its legacy.”

On her Slim’s appointment

“As director, I will lead the school’s efforts to secure TESDA accreditation, not only for fashion but eventually for other arts-related programs. Benilde’s direction is to engage in activities that advance the creative industries by developing talents and skills, empowering artisans and enterprises, co-creating research and knowledge, strengthening training and practice, and fostering globally competitive creatives for nation-building.”