EDGAR Allan Guzman
He sheepishly admits that he spends more time on the road than at home.
As a result of his invariably hectic show-biz schedule, his new car, a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, also functions as a wardrobe-on-wheels.
This year’s Cinemalaya Best Actor (for the sexy comedy “Ligo na U, Lapit na Me”), Edgar Allan Guzman, drives around town with a back seat and trunk filled with all sorts of clothes and other creature comforts from home (including pillows and blankets and an acting trophy).
He says that the Chevrolet Cruze is his first brand-new car. “My first vehicle, a Hyundai Getz, was second-hand.”
When it comes to sartorial matters, he admits to frequenting bargain bins.
Vendors allow him to haggle for a discount because he doesn’t go shopping dressed like a star.
“I usually wear denim cut-offs, plain T-shirt and baseball caps when I go to Divisoria and Tutuban,” confesses Edgar Allan, who’s now in the cast of the TV5 soap “Sa Ngalan ng Ina.”
The practical shopper knows the importance of dressing well for show-biz functions.
“I don’t want to be criticized for being baduy, for not dressing properly,” he admits. “I make sure to invest in quality but affordable outfits.”
Shirts, jackets
The Mr. Pogi 2006 winner says he prefers long-sleeved polo shirts and leather jackets when attending semi-formal events.
He was so fond of a checkered shirt that he bought one in every color: red, black, blue, green.
“My favorite color is blue,” he says. “But I need to own a shirt in every color because we are often required to wear specific colors in a TV show.”
He only ventures into stores like Top Man, Zara and Folded and Hung, “when there’s a sale.”
“I’m a regular at 168 Mall in Tutuban … promise,” he says.
Caps, hats
He sometimes experiments with hats by sporting a fedora. It’s not only a good way to deal with a “bad-hair day,” but it also jazzes up his overall look.
After rehearsals and tapings for the TV5 shows “Hey, It’s Saberday” or “Lokomoko U,” he puts on a cap and hits the malls.
In his closet is a chef’s toque and uniform, too. Along with other celebrities, he recently finished Culinary Arts Fundamentals at the Cuisinier Brasserie in Quezon City.
Shoes
When he wants to buy shoes, he turns it into an incentive, a reward for his hard work or a huge achievement.
“I gifted myself with black Adidas shoes after winning Best Actor at the Cinemalaya,” he says.
He also bought a black pair of leather shoes at Milanos. “That was my lucky charm during the awards night.”
Other favorite pairs are Nike and Wade sneakers.
Watches, gadgets
He gifted himself with a Technomarine watch as well. “It has always been my dream to own that watch brand,” he says.
He also owns two Swatches, in red and green.
Like most young people on the go, he never leaves home without his iPad, iPod Nano and Blackberry.
At home he plays video games like NBA Live 2011.
Bow ties
Wearing bow ties (in red, black, blue) has become a trademark of sorts.
At the Cinemalaya awards night, he donned a bow tie and a polka-dotted blue-and-white shirt from 168. “It’s my own look,” he notes.
Scents
His fave perfume is Bulgari Man. “It’s very masculine and even after a long day, you still smell good.”
He goes for manly, musky, sporty scents.
Another brand he uses is Lacoste Challenge.
Shades
To look cool, he wears sunglasses—daytime or night.
He owns two Oakley shades.
“I also own a pair that has colored, violet-yellow lens,” he points out.
CDs
The actor is also a singer. Apart from his fifth anniversary CD (“Breakthrough”), he listens to R&B and pop, mainly the songs of his idols Chris Brown, Ne-Yo and Michael Jackson.
Of course, he’s also a staunch supporter of Original Pilipino Music.
On-the-set stuff
Since tapings and shootings can drag till the wee hours, Edgar Allan always comes to the set prepared—like a good Boy Scout.
He brings along his own Batman pillow and blanket.
“The pillow was a gift from my sister and the blanket, from my manager Noel Ferrer,” he recounts. “It can be cold at the studio where we tape ‘Lokomoko.’”
It’s one way to feel at home (and comfy) at work and on the road.
E-mail bayanisandiego@hotmail.com.