Philippines finally got the chance to welcome it’s Eco queen on Thursday, 17th May 2018, as Miss Eco International 2018 Cynthia Magpatoc Thomalla (Thia Thomalla), came back for the first time since winning the crown. The beauty queen received a grand homecoming and was received by her hometown of Southern Leyte.

She was then seen for a Courtesy Call at the Governor's Office with Vice Governor Jessica Pano at Macrohon, Southern Leyte. Cynthia is the first Filipina to ever have won the Miss Eco International competition, and she was received by her fellow Filipinos with the celebration that stood worthy of her win.

A few days back, Thia finally broke her silence post win, and indulged in conversation with an online portal. “Actually in the past few days, I wasn’t speaking because I still can’t believe that I’m wearing the crown of Miss Eco International. I’m in the process of, you know, trying to figure out what are the things that I should do,” she had said.

She added, “I know that this isn’t an easy task for me but now, I’m trying to be more mindful in everything that I do. I’m trying to be more mature and responsible about the things that I’m facing.”

As part of her duties, Thia will travel to various countries like India, Egypt, and New York in the coming months. She received a six-year diplomatic passport as the ambassador for environment and ecotourism for the United Nations, where she will also have to be a speaker, advocating the same, this year.

Apart from promoting ecotourism, Thia said she wants to visit hospitals and children’s charities.

“It makes me feel anxious that I have big responsibilities to hold but at the same time, I’m excited with what I can do especially with that passport. I intend to use that to make a difference in the lives of different people,” she said.