Ed Westwick and Penshoppe got our heartbeats running away at Manila Peninsula’s Salon de Ning last Thursday, June 2, 2011.

Gossip Girl’s Ed Westwick (a.k.a. Chuck Bass) probably no longer needs further introductions. The name speaks for itself, and you all know you love him. Of course, that goes the same for our marketing guy, Dan Buenaventura, and myself, who were at the venue 30 minutes before the presscon because, well, c’mon, it’s not every day you get to interview someone like Ed Westwick—and we couldn’t be late. I was at the bar, drinking only pineapple juice (though they were serving champagne, watermelon mojito, lychee margarita, and all that for free), coz I was scared I might end up asking Ed to be my boyfriend. I kid. Duh.

Anyway, hosted by one of our regular contributing writers, Sarah Meier-Albano, the brief (but clearly unforgettable) presscon kicked off with a short introduction from Penshoppe’s Brand Director Alex Mendoza and Vice-President for Brand Management Jasper Evangelista. For Penshoppe’s 25th year, the brand wants to “make a statement” and “improve the whole package” by making Ed Westwick their lead endorser. The campaign, shot by Australian fashion photographer Darren Tieste, hasn’t been launched yet, but we got the chance to see the behind-the-scenes video of the shoot (giveaway: there’s a pool shot, so watch out for that), and make a statement and improve the whole package they did.

The presscon was only supposed to be 15 minutes short, so I had to ask my question right away (yeah, guess who was so excited, she was the second person to raise her hand): How easy or tough has it been to prove to people that you’re more than just Chuck Bass? And what’s something about you that Chuck Bass doesn’t or will never have?

“Good question. You can look at it in two ways: professionally and personally. Professionally, he’s part of the show that has become so well-known, so iconic. A lot of people know the character, so you begin to be associated with that character. But as a professional, it is important to look for another role… like in J. Edgar (a film directed by Clint Eastwood, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Ed Westwick, that will be out in late 2011), I play a young FBI agent, so I’m excited about that. Personally, I’m different from Chuck Bass. The one thing he will never have is my English charm.”

Below are a few of the other quotes from Ed Westwick. Enjoy!

Penshoppe has prepared a great collection of clothes for you. You did a little run through of them at the shoot yesterday. Are they more Ed Westwick or Chuck Bass?

I think they are more like a combination, actually. It’s quite a bit wholesome—more like what I’d wear. There aren’t too many multi-colored bow ties or things like that, but it’s a great combination. There are a lot of great jeans. I’m wearing some of the stuff right now. I’m a pretty big fan of this coat.

What’s the biggest influence Chuck Bass had on you?

How not to mistreat women. (laughs)

What was your concept of the Philippines before coming here, and now that you are leaving tomorrow?

Well, I spent some time reading about Philippines on the way here. I was surprised to know there are 7,000 islands. That’s amazing, for me. I know it’s very rich in culture, but I didn’t know too much. Now, I’ve kind of touched the surface. I definitely want to make a trip back. I wanna get out to some of the islands which I hear are paradise.

How excited are you for the new Romeo and Juliet movie?

Very excited. Great script that keeps the traditional flow of Shakespeare’s traditional language. It’s been fantastic. I get to play Tybalt, the fiery cousin of Juliet. We’re gonna shoot in Verona, which is one of the oldest places in Italy.

In between tapings, how do you spend your leisure time?

I like to play football, hang out with my friends, watch movies, because I’m an actor.

Apart from acting and modelling, do you have other talents?

I play the guitar. And I’ve been recently trying to play the spoons. I’m not very good yet. I’m good at football. I’m good at sleeping as well…

Someone requested for him to sing, but with his poker face, he said “no.” Such a cutie, I tell you. And, of course, who’d forget the part when he delivered the famous line with his matching smolder: “We don’t need passports. I’m Chuck Bass.” The audience…well, died. After that “titillating” (anonymous person from the audience, 2011) experience, we stayed for the afterparty. I love my job, and we love Penshoppe for giving us a whole lotta Ed Westwick that’ll last us for the next four seasons.—HITGIRL

Photos courtesy of Penshoppe and Chuvaness