Thai model-actor Mario Maurer inked a deal with PR Asia Worldwide for his first endorsement deal in the Philippines. 

PR Asia was the same agency which brought Gossip Girl actor Ed Westwick to the country last month for a local clothing brand endorsement.

Even before his movie First Love (or Crazy Little Thing Called Love, 2011) was shown on ABS-CBN last June 5—which topped the daytime race that day—Maurer has been quite popoular among Filipino fans.

The 24-year-old Thai celebrity debuted as an actor in the romantic film The Love of Siam in 2007.

When the news broke out about Maurer's first Philippine project, a rumor circulated on Twitter that he would be paired with local actress Marian Rivera.

However, PR Asia Worldwide Communications director Joyce Ramirez denied this rumor to PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) in a phone interview tonight, July 7.

Ramirez said Maurer will be endorsing Penshoppe, the same local clothing brand endorsed by Westwick.

On the other hand, Rivera currently endorses competing brand Karimadon.

Maurer also became a trending topic on Twitter tonight.