Mario Maurer leads Thai invasion in Phl

MANILA, Philippines - Penshoppe carries on its campaign to cross the international style threshold, and at the same time, to cater to its younger market, as it welcomes its new face, Mario Maurer (photo), one of Thailand’s hottest stars.

Mario steps in as Penshoppe’s latest endorser, as recently confirmed by brand director Alex Mendoza. The 22-year-old actor and model takes off from the brand’s international campaign, which was earlier led this year by British actor Ed Westwick of Gossip Girl.

“Mario will not only make Penshoppe a bigger fashion name across the borders. He will also help grow the market in the local and Southeast Asian region, especially knowing that he has a gained wide following among the younger set,” Alex said on selecting the Thai star.

“Mario is fresh, appealing and very influential. He represents the exciting new changes happening to the brand now,” he added.

Mario, known for his strikingly boyish good looks and cool, young, free-spirited style, has proved much of himself in the regional entertainment industry. Aside from gracing magazine covers, he has shown sensational acting skills by top-billing films year after year.

Among the films that boosted Mario’s name to public consciousness was The Love of Siam released in 2007. In his debut role, he played a conflicted teen who develops a romantic liking to his boyhood friend. His remarkable portrayal awed fans from the Philippines, winning the Best Actor award at the 2008 Cinemanila.

In 2010, Mario also starred in First Love (Crazy Little Thing Called Love), a romantic-comedy which saw him garnering major acting awards, and assured him a spot as one of the region’s most sought-after stars.

Mario, meanwhile, is expected to arrive in the Philippines in October to shoot the Penshoppe campaign with renowned Hollywood photographer Darren Tieste flying in from Los Angeles. The campaign is expected to grace magazine covers and billboards across the country.

Meanwhile, fans will have the opportunity to meet and greet Mario as Penshoppe is set to host a fan conference for the Thai heartthrob. The gathering will be held on Oct. 28, 1 p.m. at the PICC Plenary Hall in Manila (gates open at 11 a.m.). The FanCon will be hosted by VJ Utt with special live performance by pop Asian girl group Blush and co-presented by official media partner ABS-CBN.

To avail entry, one must complete a stamp card promo available at all Penshoppe boutiques nationwide. Every P500 entitles the bearer to one stamp. Completion of 10 stamps entitles access to the event and the bearer must submit the original completed stamp card at any Penshoppe outlet in exchange of the final entry pass.

Mechanics for the FanCon entry can be found on Penshoppe’s official Twitter and Facebook pages.