MANILA, Philippines — After the long wait, giddy fans finally got a chance to bond with internationally famous Hallyu stars, Dara Park and Nam Joo Hyuk, in an unforgettable one-night-only event at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on July 29.
The two were brought back to the country by clothing brand Penshoppe. Dara and Joo Hyuk, with the help of other local acts and Penshoppe’s very own roster of talents, kept the packed arena overjoyed with performances and surprises.
If you want a rundown of the things you missed, or just want to reminisce the experience, here is a list of all the raging highlights of the Penshoppe event, from touchdown all the way to the party.
1. The Korean superstars have landed
At 10:55 a.m. on July 28, two of the country’s Korean favorite superstars arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1. Philstar.com/EC Toledo
At 10:55 a.m. on July 28, two of the country’s Korean favorite superstars arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 – Dara, who was member of disbanded four-piece international girl group sensation, 2NE1, and Nam Joo Hyuk who is of “Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo” and “Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo” fame. They came in their relaxed airport fashion, smiling and waving cheerily at select members of the press.
2. Pinoy nostalgia
A press conference for Dara and Joo Hyuk ensued on July 29 – a prelude to the much-awaited Penshoppe Fan Con on the same day.
When asked about what she misses the most about the Philippines, Dara answered sinigang without skipping a beat. Joo Hyuk, when asked what would come to mind whenever he heard the word “Philippines,” said his “Filipino fans” without hesitation. This just showed how he remembered them during his first visit in the country in September 2017.
3. Fashion choices
Dara and Joo Hyuk of course also talked about their fashion choices. Philstar.com/Uela Altar-Badayos
Being the celebrity endorsers of clothing retail giant Penshoppe, Dara and Joo Hyuk of course also talked about their fashion choices.
Because of her career transition from idol to actress, Dara now prefers outfits that are more appropriate for her roles, in exchange for her penchant for outfits with “tusok-tusok”(pointy) designs over them. In the summer, Dara prefers the colorful and fresh, and during the winter, solid, chic and sexy. She even joked that she wants to go au naturel, “Kaya hindi kami nagsusuot ng damit.” But really, she just likes wearing large T-shirts for comfort.
Joo Hyuk is also usually carefree with his choices, revealing that he doesn’t plan his OOTDs and just wears whatever he can grab at home – jeans, joggers, plain white shirts. And for winter, whatever is long-sleeved and warm would be his go-to.
4. Sharing their dream projects
At the press conference, Dara and Joo Hyuk admitted that they want to have a project together Philstar.com/Uela Altar-Badayos
The two stars admitted that they want to have a project together, be it in a drama or in a movie. Dara was even a little frustrated, explaining that they both played characters for “Cheese in the Trap” – Joo Hyuk in the drama, and she in the movie version. She hoped that “...sana next time sabay na kami.”
They specifically wanted to be in a romcom together – it is Dara’s favorite genre, and Joo Hyuk is confident that he can make Dara laugh every day while working on such project.
5. It’s officially lit!
By 2 p.m. of July 29, the fan con commenced, and the bass was dropped Tom Taus reengineered current pop song favorites into pumped up party anthems. This was followed by performances from contemporary OPM darlings, Keiko Necesario and IV of Spades.
6. They hype kept going
Local ambassadors from #TeamPenshoppe also showcased their other talents. Philstar.com/Kat Leandicho
The performances didn’t end there. Local ambassadors from #TeamPenshoppe also showcased their other talents.
Khalil Ramos, accompanied by Necesario, serenaded everyone with his rendition of Michael Jackson’s “Billy Jean” and melted hearts with an encore of Goo Goo Dolls’ song “Iris.” Audiences bopped to Maris Racal and Loisa Andalio's sultry versions of Camilla Cabello’s “Sangria Wine” and Dua Lipa’s “IDGAF,” respectively. With a blinding smile, Ronnie Alonte cheekily charmed everyone with his version of the Justin Bieber and Major Lazer song, “Cold Water.”
7. Let me see you STAN!
The two proceeded to interact and play games with fans, even model posing and then re-enacting with them famous scenes from their dramas. Philstar.com/Kat Leandicho
After unveiling the Penshoppe Pre-Holiday Collection, the stage was kept warm for the event’s coup de grâce as Dara and Joo Hyuk finally set foot on stage.
At this point the audience was ablaze with excitement. The two proceeded to interact and play games with fans, even model posing and then re-enacting with them famous scenes from their dramas. They answered more questions from fans, and delighted with more surprises and fan service.
8. Surely not the end
The event closed with a deafening roar of fans—a happy and satisfying punctuation to a much-anticipated event that did not disappoint. Philstar.com/Kat Leandicho
The event closed with a deafening roar of fans—a happy and satisfying punctuation to a much-anticipated event that did not disappoint. Surely one for the books, the stage was set for more. And we had Penshoppe to thank for bringing our two Korean favorites into the country.
Joo Hyuk attested to the great experience and hospitality afforded him by Penshoppe. He says that this makes him happy and more eager to do better as their ambassador. And Dara, who has worked with the company for three years and counting, considered Penshoppe as family.
Indeed, all of this certainly bode well for the company, having set many eyes, ears and hearts to their internationally growing brand.
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