Thia lets go of Miss World dream, as 3 from Cebu now official MWP candidates

CEBU, Philippines — Last February, Pinoy pageant fans were abuzz when beauty queen-turned-actress Thia Thomalla posed this question to her social media followers: “Will you help me conquer the world?”

Last February, Pinoy pageant fans were abuzz when beauty queen-turned-actress Thia Thomalla posed this question to her social media followers: “Will you help me conquer the world?”

Taking it as a hint that the Miss Eco International 2018 winner was planning to join Miss World Philippines (MWP) again for another stab at the competition’s topmost title, her fans and fellow celebrities expressed support and excitement at the possibility.

Thia responded then to the positive feedback by writing, “Praying for the best and asking God for this favor.”

But when MWP released its official list of candidates Thursday, the Kapuso talent was not among the 45 aspirants, despite talk that the MWP crown was assuredly hers in a pageant known to have a clear frontrunner since the franchise previously held by Binibining Pilipinas became a stand-alone search in 2011.

In an Instagram post, Thia shared, “The pandemic shifted our lives in ways no one imagined. Today, I’m letting go of a dream. A dream I was ready to face again. But sometimes life gives us a different path we have to embrace and celebrate.”

“I’m grateful to the people who have been supportive and encouraging towards the decisions that have been made. My heart is still content, happy and fulfilled. I do know, God is preparing me, us for what is to come. Keep the faith.”

The Sinulog Festival Queen title-holder and Miss Mandaue runner-up may not be a candidate, but Cebuanos still have plenty to root for with three from the province vying for these six titles at stake: Miss World Philippines, Miss Supranational Philippines, Miss Eco Philippines, Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas, Miss Multinational Philippines and Miss Tourism Philippines. Another title for Miss Eco Teen Philippines is also up for grabs for age-eligible finalists.

Aside from the earlier reported participation of Tracy Maureen Perez and Shaila Mae Rebortera, former Monster Radio BT 105.9 DJ Megan Deen Campbell is also in the running. The 23-year-old won Miss Hiyas Nan Carrascal 2017. In the same year, she also represented Ronda at the maiden edition of Binibining Cebu.

Other familiar names and standouts in this year’s roster are TV Patrol reporter Ganiel Krishnan (Miss Manila 2016 second runner-up, Mutya ng Pilipinas 2016, Miss Asia Pacific International 2016 second runner-up), Viva talent Kathleen Paton (Miss Manila 2018, Miss Teen Asia Australia 2017 first runner-up, Miss Teen International 2017), Starstruck Season 7 finalist Janelle Lewis, and Kapamilya actress Emanuelle Vera.

Miss World Philippines 2020/2021 will hold its coronation on July 11.

The Philippines has produced only one winner for Miss World so far courtesy of Megan Young in 2013.