Rewarding partnerships

It was an afternoon of forging partnerships as HSBC Premier held its first quarter Economic Briefing at the Ayala Museum. The briefing was conducted by Frederic Neumann, managing director and co-head of the Asian Economic Research of HSBC, who spoke about Asian economic prospects in 2014 and beyond.

Together with the executives, HSBC Premier clients enjoyed good wine from Premium Wine Exchange and sumptuous hors d’oeuvres catered by Cibo Di M. Guests were also treated to a special viewing of the Elmer Borlongan exhibit as part of the ongoing partnership between Ayala Museum and HSBC Premier.

SVP and head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management Gigi Pio de Roda said, “These are just some of the special events and privileges that we would like to continue providing for our HSBC Premier Clients. They can look forward to more exciting activities in store for them this year such as our wealth management forums, private sale events, art appreciation events and more exciting rewards and tie ups via their HSBC Premier Relationship.”

In line with its efforts and initiatives in providing a unique and personal HSBC Premier experience to its valued customers, HSBC continues to bring events like this along with tailor-fit financial solutions that help customers fulfill their dreams and aspirations.

Rebel cool

Known for its rebel streak and fiercely unique character, American footwear brand Pony has become synonymous with freedom of expression, individuality and living up to one’s potential. Its slogan, “Let’s get it on!” best embodies Pony’s brand image.

As the brand continues to grow, Pony’s roster of brand ambassadors does too, with character actor Alex Medina being its newest endorser.

Alex is part of the new generation of primetime style icons whose artistic chops earned him recognition in the world of indie films.  He bagged his first Best Actor trophy for the movie Palitan, which coincidentally pays tribute to Scorpio Nights — a movie that actually starred his thespian-father Pen Medina.

His acting skills, described as fearless and with depth, paved the way for his entry into mainstream television. Alex worked alongside actresses Kim Chiu and Maja Salvador in ABS-CBN’s recently concluded primetime series Ina, Kapatid, Anak where he portrayed the revengeful character of Diego — the long-lost son of Cherry Pie Picache’s character.

The multi-talented 25-year-old actor is passionate about music and acting. “Music is my first love, but I get more fulfillment in acting,” said Alex. “In acting, your whole being is required. It is not easy because you get into these characters, scenes and emotions that you usually do not encounter in real life,” he shares.

Being one of the sons of a respected veteran actor is a challenge, according to Alex. Yet this does not faze him easily. His dad is very supportive of his career, and even coaches him through one-on-one acting workshops.

“As an actor, I am very serious about my craft. I see to it that I play my role based on what is required of me. As my dad would always say, you cannot be complacent even if you’re booked for a small role. You should always give 100 percent and if you get a smaller role, give 150 percent. Besides, I need to learn from the tree,” says Alex.  “Because the apple should not fall far from the tree, or should I say this time ‘the Pen is mightier than the sword’.”

His steady realness, carefree attitude and free spirit best exemplify the ideals of a Pony ambassador. Donna Santos, marketing manager of Pony Philippines, believes that Alex represents the brand well.

“We think that he represents the brand —  unpretentious, rock ‘n roll, talented, and he is not afraid of letting others see the real him,” she says. “Pony is always on the lookout for upcoming stars, and we think that Alex has what it takes to be the next big star.”

Alex, meanwhile, is overjoyed to be part of Pony’s growing roster of celebrity endorsers that include Jinri Park, Glaiza de Castro and Carlo Aquino.

“Pony complements my lifestyle well. I’m your usual jeans-and-shirt type of guy, and Pony sneakers are perfect for my everyday getup. Being named as an ambassador is both a big break and blessing for me,” said Alex. “But more than that, I believe that Pony is perfect for me because the brand and I share the same attitude. I see to it that I always stay true to myself. In other words, what you see is what you get, just like Pony,” Alex concludes.

(Pony products are available in major department stores nationwide. For more information, visit PonyPhilippines (official) on Facebook or follow PONY_Ph on Twitter.) (Follow me on Instagram @pepperteehankee.)