Cynthia Thomalla turns over Miss Eco Int'l crown, Phl bet is 1st runner-up

CEBU, Philippines — Miss Eco International 2018 Cynthia Magpatoc Thomalla of the Philippines crowned her successor, Suheyn Cipriani, during the pageant's coronation night held Friday at the Almasa Capital Theater in Cairo, Egypt.

The beauty from Peru is the contest's fifth winner.

It was a near back-to-back win for the Philippines as the country's representative, Maureen Montagne, placed first runner-up among over 80 candidates.

Montagne, the last of the Miss World Philippines 2018 queens to compete, was asked about what she would like to tell her younger self during the final Q&A.

The Fil-Am model from Arizona said that she would remind her younger self of her beauty and worth despite the standards of society, and that she is able to reach the goals she sets her mind to.

Montagne's other titles are Mutya ng Pilipinas 2013 first runner-up, Miss World America 2017 first runner-up, Miss USA Top 15 finalist, and Century Tuna Superbods winner.

Making up the rest of the court are USA's Jordan Elizabeth as second runner-up, Diana Voliakova of Ukraine as third runner-up, and Malaysia's Amy Nurtinie as fourth runner-up.

A pageant that advocates for the environment and tourism, the winner is set to become a champion for eco-tourism worlwide and tasked to instill values about the protection and safety of the planet and its resources.

It was a bittersweet moment for Cynthia, 24, as she officially bade the crown goodbye.

The Fil-German stunner -- whose family moved from a German countryside to the shores of  Macrohon, Southern Leyte as a child -- was able to make a name for herself as a model and beauty queen when she moved to Cebu at 19 years old to live independently.

Before representing Cebu City at Miss World Philippines 2017 where she was crowned the first Miss Eco International Philippines and eventually becoming the first Filipina and Asian winner of Miss Eco International, Cynthia was a Miss Mandaue runner-up, Sinulog Festival Queen and Reyna Ng Aliwan title-holder.

"Mabuhay! Last April 2018, the dream of my mom came true," she began in her farewell speech, delivered live during the coronation night instead of a voice-over.

Cynthia went on to thank the people who helped her arrive to where she is today, and for believing in her capabilities.

She reminded the new Miss Eco International that she will not only be the face of the organization but should also put to heart the organization's advocacies.

"Throughout the year, as I was able to teach kids about malnutrition, raised environmental awareness and teach people about the value of life and hard work, my dream came true."

"Who knew a little girl from a very small island of the Philippines can make such a huge positive impact to the world? But this could not have been done without my army. God, thank you for the gift of life and for all the opportunities," she added.

"To my parents for being my rock. And also my siblings. To my mentors from Kagandahang Flores, maraming salamat po and thank you for making me this humble and dependable woman that I am right now."

Cynthia, who has since become a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador in behalf of the IIMSAM through Miss Eco International, shared that she has mixed feelings as she ended a chapter in her life and enters a new one.

After her pageant journey, the GMA Network and Regal Entertainment, Inc. contract artist is set to test her acting chops in her upcoming first movie project that will star Kapuso hunks and her fellow MWP title-holders. Titled "G! LU (Go! La Union)," the film has a tentative July play date.

"I am ready to open a new door in my life. I am terrified and excited but I am very happy and very grateful," said Cynthia.