Hollywood star Ian Somerhalder charmed the local media and some fans during his press conference for Penshoppe Wednesday afternoon, May 23, at the Manila Peninsula Hotel in Makati City.

The 33-year-old star of the hit TV series “The Vampire Diaries” has been a trending topic on Twitter since he arrived in the country last Saturday, May 19.

And on Wednesday, May 23, Penshoppe officially presented Somerhalder to the press as the new member of their elite group of international endorsers dubbed “All Star,” following Gossip Girl’s Ed Westwick, Thai heartthrob Mario Maurer, and High School Musical star Zac Efron.

The Hollywood actor opened the presscon thanking the local press and fans for the “warm welcome” he received. He talked about his photoshoot in El Nido, Palawan and how he was mesmerized by the beauty of the Philippines and its people.

“I’m telling you, I’ve been so surprised! I have been so blown away and humbled by the generosity of the people and the beauty of this place,” he said.

“The people here, everyone was so profoundly wonderful, beautiful, intelligent, and soulful. It’s such a phenomenal experience and I’m really, really, happy to be here,” he added.

The entertainment press asked Ian what he would tell his friends about our country.

In a witty reply, he said, “Don’t go there. They will kill you with kindness.”

Aside from his phenomenal experience in the country, the American actor also shared about his two decades-long experience in modeling, his upcoming Hollywood movie, his own advocacy and the reason why he agreed to endorse Penshoppe.

“I believe that comfort should come first before fashion,” he said and that’s the reason why he loves the brand.

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