Zac Efron has been spending a lot of time in hotels. The Toronto International Film Festival, where he was promoting the gothic potboiler “The Paperboy” and the family drama “At Any Price,” required him to jet from location to location for interviews and photo shoots. “I think I have seen every hotel in Toronto today,” he says from his seat in the hotel bar. “I could write a guidebook.” Still, the exhausted Efron is gracious and gregarious, stopping to pose for photos and sign autographs for anyone who asks—and a lot of people ask.

Spend any time with Efron and it becomes clear that the burgeoning movie star does not have an equally burgeoning ego. “I might not be the greatest actor, but I walk in to every project willing to work hard,” he says. “There are a lot of people who can slide on talent their whole lives; they’re just naturally gifted. I’ve never considered myself one of those people. I enjoy outworking the opposition.”

Efron is savvy about his shot at longevity in a fickle business. Unlike many actors who hit it big in their teen years, he has kept his head down and concentrated on the work. There have been no public scandals, no drunken outbursts, no reports of bad behavior on set. Efron is wise beyond his 24 years, saying, “I know I’ve been lucky. But it’s what you do with that luck afterwards that really defines whether you stick around.”

Read full article at Backstage.com

MAGAZINES & SCANS > BACKSTAGE (NOVEMBER 2012)

Zac Efron tells Filipinos: “You make me feel so at home. I just want to move here.”

During his first visit to the Philippines, Zac Efron opened up about his first kiss and his chemistry with former girlfriend, Filipino-American actress Vanessa Hudgens.

The Hollywood actor charmed Filipinos at his fan conference held last night, September 29, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

TV host Boy Abunda had the chance to interview Zac, whom he described as “one of the most brilliant actors of his generation.”

Zac has been staying in the Philippines for several days already.

When Boy asked Zac about his stay here in the tropical country, Zac exclaimed: “It’s been absolutely incredible!”

As a kid, Zac grew up listening to stories about the Philippines from his father David, a former merchant marine who often visited the country in the past.

“It’s been a dream of mine to come to the Philippines since I was a young boy. Now I’m finally here with all you guys,” said Zac with a smile.

What’s the best story that he heard about the Philippines?

“My dad told me stories about the food and how amazing all the people were.”

What is his favorite food now?

“Balut!” he said, referring to unfertilized duck egg, which is considered a delicacy in the Philippines.

The A-list Hollywood actor expressed his gratitude for Pinoys who showed our trademark hospitality.

“The Filipino people are so nice! You make me feel so at home. I just want to move here.”

The crowd showed its appreciation by cheering loudly for the 24-year-old actor.

When his movie Hairspray was discussed during his sit-down interview with Boy, Zac praised Pinoys by saying: “I love how musical you are!”

Read full article at PEP

EVENTS > 2012 > PENSHOPPE FAN CONFERENCE – 9/29

Sure, it’s still sweltering and humid outside and it doesn’t seem like it’s ready for the temperature to be dropping anytime soon, but Autumn is quickly approaching. Soon the leaves will be changing colors and dropping to the ground. But cheer up, kids! What’s fall without a few parties? I mean, we’ve got Halloween, for crying out loud. And does one need a good excuse to have a party, anyway? Not really! You’ll find in our upcoming October/November issue that a party can happen anywhere at any time just as long as you’ve got a few party animals hanging around together.

Speaking of which, we had some cute animals hang out with one of our favorite party animals: Zac Efron. He’s a cutie himself, although I think you’ll be surprised how grown up he’s become now that he’s starring in the gritty upcoming film, The Paperboy, directed by Academy Award-nominated director Lee Daniels and featuring a heavyweight cast including Nicole Kidman, Matthew McConaughey, and John Cusack. But it’s Efron who’s making a splash in the sexy thriller and, thankfully, on the cover of our next issue.

But back to partying! We sent photographers across the globe into the night to look at how people celebrate all over the world, we have a look at DJ school in Bali, and we hear from the most debaucherous events in the country: political party conventions. Plus, we also chat wtih British chanteause Paloma Faith, who is looking to make her big break on American shores, Heathcliff and Cathy party on the Scottish moors in Andrea Arnold’s gorgeous new adaptation of Wuthering Heights, and Arrested Development’s Alia Shawkat curates a playlist to ease a broken heart (and strike back against your nemesis). And there’s so much more, including the newest trends in nightlife, restaurants, hotels, fitness, and more!

Check out The Party Issue, on newsstands later this month, and, as always, check back here for full coverage!

MAGAZINES & SCANS > OTHER