Thai stars mesmerize Cebu crowd

CEBU, Philippines- Deafening screams from eager fans welcomed Thai superstars Mario Maurer and Baifern Pimchanok during their Penshoppe Fan Conference at The Terraces of Ayala Center Cebu last Sunday.

According to Ayala Center Cebu marketing officer Wilma Intera, the event drew an estimated crowd of 10,000 – they were not only made up of people from Cebu, but those from different parts of the country who came to town just to see Mario and Baifern in the flesh.

Event host MYX VJ Joyce Pring led a quiz game and catwalk challenge, where lucky winners were given the chance to have a once in a lifetime photo opportunity with Mario and Baifern.

During a short talk with VJ Joyce, Mario (looking boyishly handsome in a Penshoppe grey sweater paired with casual jeans) said that he is very overwhelmed with the support and warm welcome of his Filipino fans.

Baifern, stunning in a blue cropped top and white skater skirt, extended her deepest gratitude to her fans whose support were “beyond her expectations.”

Known for their fresh and youthful fashion style, the Thai superstars also shared some fashion tips including their favorite items from Penshoppe.

Mario, asked by a female fan how he found Filipinas answered, “Cute, I find Filipinas cute,” he said.

The two also expressed their desire to come back here in Cebu and try the food especially the world-famous lechon.

Before the Fan Conference ended, Baifern performed a Thai song together with Mario, igniting further shrieks from the audience.

Adam Palomar, a fan who came all the way from Leyte said that he spent P1,500 just to make sure he could avail a VIP seat in the event. It was worth it though, he said, for he was very happy and starstruck to finally see Mario and Baifern in person.

Hans Christian Ocliasa, Area Sales Manager of Penshoppe said that it is their very first Fan Conference outside Manila, and he didn’t expect the crowd to be that huge. Before Mario and Baifern, Penshoppe had previously flown in another one of their international endorsers, Ian Somerhalder (of  “Lost” and “Vampire Diaries” fame) in Manila. Photos by Jonamie Dicdiquin USJ-R Mass Comm