I first heard about Pretty Little Liars on Twitter, when one of the American celebs I was following mentioned it (can’t remember which one). I got hooked on Season 1.
Season 2, I started getting exasperated from all the stress going on with that show (who the hell is A??). And then the last few episodes, I started to get hooked again.
The mystery/thriller stars four of today’s prettiest stars: Troian Bellisario (the chicest one, at left), Ashley Benson (the blonde), Shay Mitchell (at right, who is half Filipino), and Lucy Hale, who also happens to be the newest Bench girl.
Lucy was in town last month as a special guest of BENCH CEO, Ben Chan. She flew in with celebrity hairstylist, Scott Cunha, who has also styled the likes of Miley Cyrus, Nicole Richie, Emma Roberts and Diane Kruger.
It was her first time in Asia, confessed the 22-year-old star, who flew in via Hong Kong from Los Angeles.
Lucy instagrammed on the plane with Scott Cunha
Arriving at our beloved NAIA
During her three days here, Lucy toured and shopped at several Bench-owned stores (including Aldo), sampled Filipino, Chinese and Thai food, enjoyed fresh mango shake, and tasted ube for the first time.
She bought Ilog Maria lotion at the Echostore, plus pearls and trinkets in Greenhills, along with makeup artist Chechel Joson.
Trying mango juice for the first time
Strolling at Serendra
She marveled at her giant billboard and tweeted, “This is crazy!” after seeing her likeness on a massive Bench window.
On her first night, she popped in at the Secret Fresh x Bench T-shirt launch at Greenbelt 5.
L-R: Egg Fiasco, Lucy Hale, JJ Zamoranos
Friday night, Ben Chan hosted an intimate dinner at home where Lucy and Scott met Bench friends and family: Liz Uy, Georgina Wilson, Paula Taylor, Isabelle Daza (Photo: Raymond Gutierrez)
She was introduced to American Idol’s David Archuleta, who is also the newest face of BENCH.
L-R: David Archuleta, Ben Chan, Lucy Hale
On Saturday afternoon, Lucy got to meet and greet her fans in a special event at SMX where I got to sit down with her for a brief interview.
I carefully selected my outfit for the day knowing the petite actress and I are the same height (we are both 5’2”). I was excited to meet the star of the show I’ve been following up-to-date for the last two seasons.
My friend Kevin and I arrived an hour early for our 4 p.m. time slot and killed the time sipping Haagen-Dazs milkshakes at nearby SM Mall of Asia. At 4 p.m. we were back at SMX just in time for to meet the young star in a private room.
At the scene were familiar faces such as Bench’s Lawrence Cua and Jojo Liamzon, photographer Patrick Uy, makeup artist Chechel Joson, and reporter Gretchen Fullido. Also present were her manager Strand and hairstylist Scott.
Lucy wore a Bench T-shirt and jeans matched with Aldo shoes and accessories to the interview.
Lucy and Kevin at SMX
Me: Ben Chan called you the sweetest, most down-to-earth celebrity he’s ever met. Can you tell us why you call him Daddy Warbucks?
LUCY HALE: He’s given me a lot of things; he’s been so kind to me. We had lunch at Peking Garden and one of his friends was wearing this gorgeous bracelet that I liked and he tracked it down and gave it to me at a dinner he hosted for me.
What made you say yes to Bench when they asked you to be an endorser?
I love the whole international aspect of it, it was overseas, and then I saw the clothes and then it was a no-brainer because they’re so affordable and yet they’re really cute.
I saw you went shopping with Scott at Bench the other day. What did you guys get?
You mean, what did I not get? I got swimsuits, underwear, bras, jeans, shirts, hats, skirts, and this jumper thing. And Scott got all the men’s underwear, every single pair — maybe 20 pairs of underwear (laughs). He seriously needs to be the next endorser for Bench Body.
Your beauty is much appreciated in the Philippines because you’re a brunette and petite. What fashion and beauty tips can you give to a petite girl?
I know for me, I can’t wear certain lengths because of proportions, like I can’t wear over-the-knee boots cause I want to appear taller. So I guess it’s all about finding what works for your body but at the same time — and it all sounds contradictory — but don’t be afraid to take risks, don’t be afraid to try new things. That’s sort of like my motto.
What’s the real score between you and Ian Harding and who is your closest friend on the show?
Ian in real life is a goofball, he’s extremely sweet and a dear, dear friend and we are definitely just friends. He’s one of the people I’m closest to and like the most genuine person you’ll ever meet. He’s such a nice guy… My closest friend is Keegan Allen, who plays Toby on the show. His body is ridiculous, too. He can do Bench Body, I should tell Ben!
Originally published at Chuvaness.com. You can comment here or there.