Footloose, fancy-free
TEEN idol lets mom Tina Monasterio pick clothes and shoes for him.
GMA 7 teen star Derrick Monasterio looks like a normal teenager—a happy-go-lucky lad whose free days are usually spent on a basketball or badminton court, or in a bowling alley.
The same leisurely, laid-back attitude is apparent in his fashion choices. He’s a no-fuss dresser. He doesn’t splurge on clothes or accessories.
HIGH SCHOOL student shares laptop with mom. Photo by Andrew Tadalan
Though carefree, Derrick has a serious side. He’s a young man with very clear goals. Right now, he is saving up for a new car—specifically, a black Montero Sport 2013.
“After buying a car, I hope to move into my own condo unit,” said the 17-year-old heartthrob, last seen on the Kapuso show “Paroa: Ang Kuwento ni Mariposa.”
He joined the cast of the Vic Sotto sitcom “Vampire ang Daddy Ko” and GMA 7’s latest tearjerker, “Anna Karenina,” remake of a popular 1990s soap.
Last August, the National Youth Commission handpicked Derrick as Youth Ambassador.
“It’s important for me to be part of this project,” he told Living Stars. “Celebrities can influence fans in making a difference. So we should strive to be positive role models.”
HE OWNS 60 pairs of sneakers—mostly basketball shoes by Nike, Reebok or Adidas. Photo by Andrew Tadalan
His work with the commission has taken him all over the country. “I’ve gone on campus tours and spoken to many students,” he said.
A junior high school student in Angelicum, Derrick is determined to finish his studies. “I’d like to enroll in Ateneo or maybe take up Culinary Arts, so I don’t have to deal with math,” he quipped.
Boys will be boys.
SHOES
Derrick’s closet is crammed with all types of shoes—close to 60 pairs at last count.
HE PREFERS simple tees. Photo by Andrew Tadalan
He’s a “shoeaholic,” he admitted. “On ordinary days, I often wear basketball shoes like Nike or Reebok,” he said.
He looks up to NBA players Kobe Bryant and John Wall.
For shows, he dons the more colorful Skechers sneakers. If he had his way, though, he’d stick to sleek footwear. He has a trusty suede pair for formal occasions. And, he exclaimed, “High-cut rubber shoes in red, black or white look fierce!”
A size 10, he owns other brands and styles: Kickers, Timberland, Topsider, Sebago, Adidas. “Also a few pairs of boots,” he said. “My mom (former actress Tina Monasterio) buys for me. She knows what I want.”
SHIRTS
His clothing sponsor, Hammerhead, regularly sends over stacks of shirts. These days, he goes for fitted tees that show off his slim bod, the result of relentless dieting and exercise.
“I like plain tees,” he said. “White V-necks look neat. Black shirts make me look astig.”
CAPS from Lee, Polo Ralph Lauren and RF. Photo by Andrew Tadalan
In his line of work, however, he should keep not a few vibrant colored shirts as well. “Show biz requirement,” he agreed.
When it comes to fashion sense, he looks up to Hollywood hottie Zac Efron.
BLAZERS
Some show biz functions require him to be in a blazer or tux. For those splashy affairs, he brings out his Marks & Spencer or Zara jackets.
He makes sure to pick blazers that look sharp with any long-sleeved shirt and dark slacks.
“They go well with the clothes in my closet,” Derrick said. “They’re perfect when I need to attend awards shows. All guys should invest in at least one good blazer.”
CAPS
PART of his extensive perfume collection: CK Be, Bulgari Aqua, Fahrenheit Dior, Diesel, Davidoff Champion Energy and Lacoste. Photo by Andrew Tadalan
Like many sporty young men, Derrick collects caps. “Instead of baseball and basketball caps, I have football caps,” he noted.
One favorite sports the FC Barcelona logo.
Although he owns different kinds, he leans toward simple ones. “I match the color with whatever I’m wearing,” he said.
Some hats are gifts from friends. There are a few Lee, RF and Polo Ralph Lauren pieces.
SCENTS
He’s a fine fragrance connoisseur. Among the brands on his shelf are CK Be, Bulgari Aqua, Davidoff Champion Energy, Fahrenheit Dior and Diesel.
He is partial to masculine scents. He recently stumbled upon three new brands: Lacoste, a gift from GMA 7; and Charriol (France) and Spice Bomb (Dubai) from travels abroad.
CHECKERED boardshorts for dance rehearsals. Photo by Andrew Tadalan
“Charriol smells expensive,” he said. He dabs it on when attending formal events. “Makes me feel like a million bucks.”
He discovered Spice Bomb in a duty-free shop at Dubai airport. “It smells sexy and manly,” he said, “but fresh—makes me feel like I just stepped out of the shower.”
SHORTS
Last month, as in previous summers, his stash of boardshorts came in handy. Alas, he was too busy these past few weeks to spend as much time as he wanted with friends in Boracay and Palawan.
RAY-BAN shades. Photo by Andrew Tadalan
Checkered shorts are not just for the beach, though; he wears them to dance rehearsals and are also his “uniform” when he’s not in the mood to dress up.
SHADES
A favorite brand is Ray-Ban. His first pair was stolen, but he quickly replaced it. He has also added other brands to his collection like Oakley and Police, which he described as “classy.”
“When I need to go out in the daytime, I use shades to protect my eyes,” Derrick said.
He has learned his lesson and now refrains from wearing the more costly ones on out-of-town gigs.
LEVI’S messenger bag. Photo by Andrew Tadalan
BAGS
He owns a number of totes, from Calvin Klein to Oakley, but his favorite is a Levi’s messenger bag.
While he was doing the youth show “Tween Hearts,” he got a Tumi shoulder bag. “I like Tumi,” he said, “because it has lots of pockets.”
SOUVENIRS
From assignments abroad, he has brought home a lot of souvenir items.
Trips to Switzerland and France produced a treasure trove of trinkets— commemorative plates, ceramic figures, snow globes, key chains, picture frames, miniature Eiffel towers and refrigerator magnets.
BASIC iPhone for him. Photo by Andrew Tadalan
On his latest junket, to Dubai, he enjoyed a buggy ride in the desert. But he didn’t get to ride a camel, so, “I got myself a camel stuffed toy.”
WATCHES, GADGETS
He’s not a gadget freak. For him, his iPhone 4s is more than enough.
He shares a laptop with his mom.
A favorite timepiece is the Ecko watch he bought in the United States. “Very bagets (youthful),” he said.
Fossil is another special watch—a gift from “Anna Karenina” costar Barbie Forteza on his birthday, Aug. 1. Needless to say, it’s a favorite.
