Guess who co-stars with Vic Sotto as his beautiful leading lady in his latest comedy flick billed “LOL (Love On Line)?” Channel V International VJ and “Amazing Race Asia’s” popular contender, and Asia’s fast-rising model and TV-movie star Ms. Paula Taylor, that’s who!

Paula is the familiar face we see on several television and print advertisements (Canon Cameras, Rebisco Whole Wheat Crackers, Kenny Rogers Roasters, Plains and Prints, Myra-E, Colgate, to name a few) and she will be the newest addition to the long list of leading ladies already tapped to partner our very own Comedy King Vic Sotto in the romantic-comedy flick under M-Zet-OctoArts-APT Films.

The movie presents new, refreshing and exciting twists in a story that centers on the characters played by Vic Sotto (Samson) and Paula (Lily). There will be magic, adventure, fantasy, family and love on line, in the film directed by Tony Y. Reyes. “LOL (Love On Line),” which also stars Jose Manalo, Manilyn Reynes, Matt Evans, Melissa Ricks, Dominic Roco, Gina Pareño, Ricky Davao and Leo Martinez, will be released in August.

Born Paula Margaret Taylor in Bangkok, Thailand in Jan. 20, 1983 to a Thai mother and a British father, the pretty VJ grew up in Perth, Australia where she spent her childhood living an active lifestyle enjoyed by most Australians.

Throughout her childhood, Paula remained close to her roots and visited Thailand regularly. Her striking looks and trademark smile eventually caught the eye of local modeling agents. Soon after graduating from high school, she moved to Thailand to pursue a career in modeling and soon found herself regularly working as a model as well as appearing in numerous Thai television shows, TV commercials and Thai feature films before becoming a regular VJ for Channel V Thailand.

As Paula’s career blossomed in Thailand, she soon found herself garnering more and more regional recognition and eventually became an overnight household name when she appeared with childhood friend Natasha Monks on the “Amazing Race Asia” (in the same batch where our very own Marc Nelson and bestfriend Rovilson Fernandez competed).

Paula continues to be an endorser and spokesperson for numerous multinational products most notably, Canon Cameras. Paula recently completed her Hollywood film debut as the 2nd female lead in the supernatural thriller “Shadows” (2009) starring Academy award-winning actor William Hurt, Cary Elwes, and fellow Thai actress Ploy Jindachot. Paula also co-owns a fashion boutique in Thailand called Polita.

Watch out for “LOL (Love On Line)” in August at your favorite theaters.

Philips partners with ‘Himig ng Bayan’ music fest

About two Saturdays ago, we attended the first ever public recital of the contenders to the upcoming music festival billed “Himig ng Bayan” at the A-Venue in Makati City.

There was a good turn-out of music enthusiasts, most of whom are outstanding raw talents, who showcased their wares in guitar playing, and vocals. Philips joined “Himig ng Bayan” in this endeavor and will be the show’s presenter come Finals Night on June 27 in Dumaguete City.

Registrants from both the guitar and vocals category had their pieces recorded that afternoon and uploaded onto the website. You can check those out at www.hnb.com.ph.

During the live auditions in A-Venue mall, Philips also held a Shop and Jam Bodega Sale. Amidst the sale of top Philips products, aspiring artists performed onstage to get the chance to join the “Himig ng Bayan” festivities in Dumaguete City on June 27. With its state of the art sound system and hip Go Gear mp3 players, Philips proves to be a likely partner in promoting musical talent in the country.

Philips has shown great interest in developing the local music scene. “Philips is looking at supporting the local budding music talent in the Philippines,” says Philips Country Marketing Manager Vidyut Kaul, going on to add that the event could help “people across different strata get an opportunity to showcase their talent.”

Last minute announcement, “Himig ng Bayan” continues to accept uploads on the official website www.hnb.com.ph until June 12, when finalists will be announced. The “Himig ng Bayan” finals will be held at the Lamberto Macias Sports Center in Dumaguete City on June 27.