When you see her up close, you would ask yourself how could the heavens create a human being with such a beautiful face and a name that rhymes like music to our ears.
With a name that also screams beauty queen, no wonder the 25-year-old model and actress captured the hearts of many when she bested 70 other beauties from around the world to be crowned Miss Eco International in Egypt back in 2018. The annual pageant seeks to promote eco-tourism while advancing social and environmental causes.
“It was a humbling and memorable experience for me which is why I was thinking of joining another pageant to bring the advocacies I supported to a bigger stage,” Thia told Manila Standard in an online interview for How Do You Feel?: Usapang Artista.
The captivating beauty of Filipino and German descent intended to join Miss World Philippines this year but admitted that the current situation made her postpone her plans. It’s in the same pageant where she earned the right to represent the country at Miss Eco International.
“I’m happy with the Miss Eco International crown, but there are so what ifs at the back of my head,” she explained.
Thia met Laura Lehman (Miss World Philippines 2016) when she was 18, and then Megan Young who was crowned Miss World 2013. She said they inspired her to become a beauty queen herself.
“Miss World is my mother pageant. Given the perfect circumstances, I’d really love to join again,” she stated.
The 5-foot-7 GMA Artist talent has been an advocate for environmental protection but since the death of his brother in May last year, Thia decided to research on testicular cancer and speak with specialists on creating awareness about the disease.
“When my brother died because of cancer, that’s when I realized that I need to do something. My brother didn't voice it out earlier. I don’t want anyone to experience the same experience that we had. I've been in contact with a doctor, a specialist in cancer treatment and prevention. We’re supposed to meet up but we had to postpone it because of the quarantine,” she said.
Sharing her honest opinion on organizations that postponed or even canceled all their pageant activities altogether, Thia believes that it’s just right to prioritize everyone’s safety.
“I think it’s just right that some of the pageants this year were canceled or moved to a different date. We should prioritize the health of everyone first and foremost. Some pageants are not crashing the dreams of so many girls around the world by extending the age limit for the candidates,” Thia concluded.