Fil-German Cynthia Thomalla is Miss Eco International 2018

The Philippines captured its first pageant title this year after a Cebuana beauty queen was crowned Miss Eco International 2018 during a contest held in Egypt last Friday (Saturday morning Manila time).

Cynthia Thomalla bested 51 other candidates in the international pageant that focuses on humanitarian, social and environmental issues.

Thomalla, 22, is the last of four beauty queens who competed abroad under the Miss World Philippines franchise owned by Arnold Vegafria, business manager of Senator Manny Pacquiao.

Other reigning beauty queens under Miss World Philippines who won titles were Teresita Marquez, Reina Hispamoamericana; and Sophia Senoron, Miss Multinational. Laura Lehman made it to the semis of Miss World pageant.

Thomalla has been an early favorite to win the crown after she made it to the semis of various pre-pageant competitions such as Resorts Wear, Eco Dress, and Talent.

Said to be look-alike of Hollywood star Anne Hathaway, Thomalla won the Reyna ng Aliwan 2016 when she represented Cebu's Sinulog Festival. Observers said that she also has what it takes to be a movie star because of her good looks and charm. The reigning winners of Miss World Philippines contest have signed up for Regal Films as part of their prizes.

Born and raised in Hamburg, Germany, Thomalla is the youngest of five children. She graduated with a tourism degree from the University of Cebu.

First runner-up honors went to Indonesia; Peru, 2nd runner-up; Costa Rica, 3rd runner-up; and Vietnam, 4th runner-up. Other candidates who finished in the Top 10 were Brazil, Egypt, India, Poland, and Portugal.

Prior to her departure to Egypt, Thomalla has called on the people to be environment friendly and be responsible travelers through waste management.

"For me, it should be the traveler who should be responsible for their trash. If they're traveling, they should know how to pick up their trash and throw it properly. Everyone should be aware of how to take care of our planet because we only have one planet. Everyone should be an eco-warrior and everyone should be environmental friendly," said Thomalla during her send-off in Quezon City.

Asked about the waste management issue in Siargao and the temporary closure of Boracay, a small island in Aklan known for resorts and beaches, the Cebuana said: "I respect with the decision they made. I think it is timely. We all should know that we should take care of Mother Earth. I went to Boracay last January and I felt that we need to do something. And I think closing for some months will be good for the ocean and everything to rejuvenate with the help of the rehabilitation of the natural resources."

"I'm really close to this advocacy because I love to travel. And I want the world, the travelers, to know how to be responsible when traveling like bringing metallic straws to lessen the use of plastic, and also helping the locals when it comes to the environment."

Thomalla has already hatched her master plan in case she wins. "I am looking forward to work with non-government agencies and with my hometown in Macrohon, Southern Leyte. I want to spread awareness about sustainable tourism and responsible traveling."

* Miss Glam World

Miss Philippines Inna Patricia Gita, 22, from Plaridel, Bulacan, was awarded Miss Personality during the inaugural Miss Glam World finals held in Kerala, India Friday night.

Gita made it as one of the top 8 finalists of the pageant which was participated in by 38 delegates from around the world.

Miss Mexico won the crown while Miss Kenya and Miss India were named first and second runners up, respectively.

Aside from the Philippines, other top 8 finishers were candidates from Moldova, South Africa, Tajikistan, and Venezuela. - ROBERT REQUINTINA