Showing her soft side
Fearless Taiwanese TV host Pauline Lan shows sensitive side as she talks about Matilda Tao's children and co-host Lina Ng
She is known for having a razor-sharp wit and a sometimes unforgiving sense of humour, but it seems that Pauline Lan has softened over the years.
The flamboyant, straight-talking veteran Taiwanese TV host, who was in town yesterday to promote the fourth season of her variety lifestyle series Lady First - Singapore, surprised local media by revealing her sensitive side.
And she is not as fearless as she appears.
Lan had to endure a nerve-racking flight from Taipei to Singapore after super typhoon Nepartak hit Taiwan on July 8 and she said: "I was actually praying that the plane would not take off that day."
She spoke to The New Paper in a group interview and said that even though Taipei was not badly hit compared to the Southern cities, she had still been worried about typhoon winds affecting the journey.
Despite her perpetually single status, the 50-year-old, who has never married or had children, does not let that stop her from being a love guru to her friends.
When asked about her romantic life, she insisted she is happy with the status quo and has zero regrets.
"Soulmates aren't limited to romantic partners," Lan said.
"I consider myself very lucky to have the love of my godchildren and close friends."
The importance that she places on her good pals is also reflected in her experiences opening her KiKi Restaurant chain that has been serving Sichuan cuisine in Taipei since 1991.
Despite the fact that her close friend and business partner, popular Taiwanese TV host Matilda Tao, shared with Lan that she was struggling with finances during KiKi's early years, Lan still decided to involve Tao in the business.
Lan went on to speak of her respect for Tao and the unwavering love Tao has for her two children.
"(Matilda) does everything for them, even moving an hour away from work for her children's schooling," said a visibly emotional Lan.
But don't think middle age is slowing her down.
NEW VENTURE
She recently ventured into new territory as a producer of Taiwanese TV series So We Are Family.
Her first stint as a producer has led to many novel discoveries, such as the lack of sleep and sanitation issues on set.
Although her job does not entail toilet duties, Lan said she had to scrub the toilet floor and ensure its cleanliness.
But the bulk of her career has been dedicated to hosting Lady First, which is still airing in Taiwan after 14 years.
Ever since she started filming the local spin-off in Singapore, she has developed a relationship with local former actress-host Lina Ng, who has been guest starring on the show since its second season.
Lady First - Singapore 4 premieres on July 26 at 8pm on E City (StarHub TV Ch 111/825).
"(Lina) has left the strongest impression on me and we've grown closer while shooting for the show," said Lan.
(Lina) has left the strongest impression on me and we've grown closer while shooting for the show.
- Taiwanese TV host Pauline Lan on former actress-host Lina Ng, her co-star on lifestyle series Lady First - Singapore
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