Actor Ian Somerhalder, who plays vampire Damon in the popular US TV series The Vampire Diaries, was in the Philippines to shoot advertisements for clothing brand Penshoppe, PEP.ph reports.
In a press conference on May 23, the star revealed how wonderful his experience in the country had been. “It’s such a phenomenal experience, and I’m really, really, happy to be here. Thank you for the warm welcome and all the wonderful thoughts."
Earlier this week, Ian had a shoot in El Nido, Palawan. "El Nido is probably one of the most beautiful places in the planet," he said.
As for what he would tell his friends about the Philippines, the star jested, “Don’t go there. They will kill you with kindness.”
"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, and how progressive everything is. I’d say, ‘Oh, you have to go to this place. You have to check out what people are doing to better themselves.'"
Ian is also getting support from Penshoppe for the Ian Somerhalder Foundation, which aims to "empower, educate, and collaborate with people and projects to positively impact the planet and its creatures."
An environmental advocate, Ian wants to use his fame to promote the cause. "The Vampire Diaries has a younger audience," he is quoted as saying on SPOT.ph. "What I realized [I could do] was to use that exposure for the greater good. We are doing ourselves a great disservice if we don’t use this to empower our youth and to make them aware of conservation."
The star left the Philippines for Europe on May 24.
To find out what else Ian said during the press conference and see photos, check out these features on Female Network's partner sites:
(Photo courtesy of PEP.ph)
Ed Westwick on Chuck Bass, Visiting Manila, and Being Penshoppe's Newest Face
Solenn Heussaff, Bea Soriano Rock the PFW Runway: Over 20 Rock-Inspired Styles from Penshoppe
V-Day Fever: Over 20 Celebrity Valentinos
Gossip Girl's Leighton Meester to Attend Philippine Fashion Week
Solenn Heussaff, Akihiro Sato, and More Celebs for Penshoppe's Summer '11 Collection
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Contact Information: 6F & 7F Robinsons Cybergate Center Tower 3, Robinsons Pioneer Complex Pioneer St., Mandaluyong City 2005 1550 Philippines. Telephone (63-2) 4518888
