The new cool squad

CEBU, Philippines — A brand new squad of youth ambassadors helped launch retail brand Penshoppe’s new look at the second level of Ayala Center Cebu.

Models who both appeared in the latest season of “Pinoy Big Brother,” Maria Fabiana and Tanner Mata, alongside Spanish model Emilio Perez were present, happily going over to fans who waited outside the store, taking selfies and speaking with them – far from the unapproachable mannequins depicted in the movies.

This was the first major endorsement for all three, even for Maria who began modeling at a young age.

“It’s a special moment to be part of such a good thing, and have the opportunity to give our audience something meaningful,” Maria said.

Emilio shared how grateful he is for the opportunity, while Tanner pressed how they are able to be true to themselves and express their style, brand and personality through the apparel brand that traces its roots in Cebu.

All three models are just starting out, but it was evident that they had a strong following. Although foreigners to the country, the trio are definitely feeling the love and famous Filipino hospitality.

As for their showbiz plans, the Club Penshoppe squad are open to possibilities, with Emilio and Tanner hinting at upcoming acting projects.

Emilio, whose Spanish accent is thick in his English sentences, says that he’s learning Tagalog and taking acting workshops.

For Maria, the Brazilian explained that modeling is her foremost passion.

“I’ve been modeling since I was a kid so it’s very comfortable for me. But being in the Philippines, I think it’s nice to push myself and get out of my comfort zone. Showbiz is a good idea but I’m thinking of hosting gigs instead of acting since I don’t know much Tagalog,” said Maria, who’d love to host a lifestyle or travel show.

Maria, who entered the PBB house as a pseudo Big Brother Brazil housemate alongside Stephanie Vaz, won Miss Teen PBB 2016, thus rendering the Filipino housemates failure in their weekly task.

When asked about the possibility of joining pageants, Maria revealed that she would rather be wearing a sash that says Philippines instead of Brazil.

“It’s a good experience and I would definitely try again. But since I’m not Filipina, I don’t think I can be Miss Universe Philippines or anything because in Brazil we don’t think about pageants that much,” she said. “I want to be in the middle of something that I care about with people who care about it, and cheer for me and comfort me.”

As for her resemblance to Liza Soberano, who has the majority of the Philippines at the palm of her hand with her beauty, Maria said she is of course flattered.

“I don’t treat it as an advantage or a disadvantage. It’s not a bad thing. It’s actually a privilege to be compared to someone who looks so good and is so good at what she does but I think we’re very different.”

Just like family

Club Penshoppe definitely work as a unit, and it doesn’t hurt that the squad are good friends in real life.

“We’ve known each other. Tanner and I are roommates and Maria is definitely one of the boys,” Emilio offered.

“It’s like working with family, very chill, very real. It’s a great opportunity and it’s better doing things with people you know and love,” added Maria.

With their newfound fame, they’re still getting used to all the attention.

“I kind of expected it [having a lot of fans waiting outside] because everywhere we bring Tanner, people just start coming,” Maria joked, as they tease Tanner for being the “most mobbed” of the group.

Tanner shares how he wiped off sweat from his face with a tissue and how the fans had scrambled for the tissue like it was some treasure– an incident he definitely found weirdly amusing. As for Emilio, his craziest fan encounter so far was when fans came to his house after he did a video about where he lived. Maria’s experience was uncomfortable, recalling how after a meet and greet in Makati, someone had tagged a photo of her on Instagram that showed a hand gripping her behind.

“It’s an honor to be a celebrity here, people really appreciate your work,” said Tanner.

“Back in Brazil people don’t really care and I really love how people in the Philippines admire other people’s work and show it with love,” Maria quipped.

The three have varying fashion styles: Maria adores vintage and goes back to the 80s and 90s for fashion inspiration with a little statement shirt here and there; Emilio is adventurous, changing clothes like the seasons, wearing pieces that reflect his mood; while Tanner often likes to go with the dapper, clean-cut aesthetic but explores with other looks, from prince charming to a more rugged, torn-shirt ensemble.

When they’re not posing for the cameras or going to events, the three spend downtime with their friends. Emilio likes to hang out with those closest to him, Maria spends her time watching films and videos, while Tanner likes to travel as much as he can.

Club Penshoppe definitely has a long way to go, and Emilio, Maria and Tanner are just getting started – all bent on being true to themselves and being a true ambassador to Filipino youth not only in fashion but also leading by example in embracing their personalities, their passions and relationships.