Paris goes straight to work

MANILA, Philippines - She may be heir to a hotel fortune, but celebrity socialite and hotel chain heiress Paris Hilton is willing to put in long hours for a paycheck.

Despite arriving late Sunday, Hilton went straight to work early on Monday to shoot the campaign for Azure, the real estate development she’s collaborating on with Century Properties. 

“From the time I picked her up at the airport Sunday night, she worked 10 straight hours the following day despite her jetlag,” said Century Properties managing director Robbie Antonio. “She even took a photo with everyone in the end to thank the crew.” Hilton tweeted the photo to her followers early the next morning.

Hilton was spotted entering the Peninsula Hotel, where she is billeted, around 1 a.m. yesterday after her first day of shooting, flanked by an entourage of about a dozen escorts. Dressed in a casual dress and shades, she waved to a small crowd of models and designers – guests of the Philippine Fashion Ball – lingering in the lobby, but didn’t stay to mingle. 

She spent much of yesterday repeating the same rigorous itinerary of shoots and meetings.

Antonio, who met Hilton and her family through a mutual friend in New York, admires the star for her work ethic.“She’s a savvy businesswoman,” he said.

Hilton has remained upbeat despite the hectic schedule.

“I find everyone welcoming,” she told The STAR. “I have been enjoying the local people and learning the culture.”

In her official Twitter account, Hilton said she enjoys the local cuisine and admires the work of Filipino designers.

“Love my stylist here @Bea_Constantino. She is putting me in the most beautiful dresses. Loving all the Filipino designers, so talented!” she tweeted.

“I love the food in the Philippines! So delicious! Loves it :).”

She is also excited to see again boxing superstar and now Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao and wife Jinkee whom she met in Las Vegas in May. 

“Looking forward to meeting up with my friends Manny and Jinkee Pacquiao while I’m here. They are such a cool sweet couple! Love them! :),” she tweeted.

There were rumors that she will pay a courtesy call to President Aquino during her five-day working visit but Malacañang has denied this. 

Hilton is in the country to design a beach club for Azure, a resort-inspired residential project of Century Properties. 

She arrived in the country Sunday night on board Emirates Airways flight EK334, during which it was reported that she lost two iPads.

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) said that based on their review of the close circuit television footages, there was no snatching that occurred during her arrival at the airport from Dubai.

“Definitely not at the NAIA,” said Connie Bungag, head of NAIA Public Affairs Office.

In a statement, Emirates Philippines country manager Gigie Baroa said Hilton did not file any report regarding loss of property. The Emirates crew also did not find items left behind by any passenger.

Hilton flew business class in the Manila-bound flight that has 234 passengers. – With Rudy Santos