New Kapuso Thia Thomalla hopes to do a rom-com

CEBU, Philippines — Reigning Miss Eco International Thia Thomalla fulfills one of her biggest dreams yet after signing with GMA-7 Artist Center.

“It has always been my personality to strive for personal growth. It’s [showbiz] a different kind of feeling because unlike beauty pageants, which I am used to, this is a new experience for me — new environment, new projects, new people. It’s another beginning,” the beauty queen told The Freeman.

Thia, a Sinulog Festival Queen 2016 titlist, became a full-fledged Kapuso on September 4 in a contract signing attended by GMA Entertainment Group Senior Vice President Lilybeth G. Rasonbable, GMA Senior Assistant Vice President for Alternative Productions Gigi Santiago-Lara, and talent manager Arnold Vegafria.

Rasonable quipped of the Fil-German stunner: “She has said na gusto niya talaga to go into acting, so after her workshops, we want to put her in dramas or maybe even comedies. We’re excited to give her those projects para makita ang kanyang talent and how beautiful she is.”

The 23-year-old tourism and events management alumna from STI Maasin won the Miss Eco Philippines title during the 2017 search for Miss World Philippines. Last April, she represented the country in Egypt where she was hailed Miss Eco International 2017.

Giddy at the thought of her new venture, Thia admits to feeling a bit of pressure as she enters unfamiliar territory.

“Being a Kapuso is another dream that I reached, another experience that I will enjoy and another journey I will happily take on. I am beyond excited of what’s to come,” Thia said.

“I am ecstatic at this opportunity although I also can’t help of feeling the pressure just thinking about my new projects. I also have to balance my time since I am still the reigning Miss Eco International until March next year.”

The Southern Leyte native is currently doing workshops as she eases her way into acting.

“I would really love to do a rom-com movie. Since I love watching those kind of movies, I wonder what it’s like,” said Thia, who named Kapuso stalwarts Dingdong Dantes, Lovi Poe, Alden Richards and Solenn Heusaff as among those she’d love to work with.

“Really as of now, I’m just enjoying! It’s a pleasure to work with everyone here in GMA but the fact that I am now a Kapuso, I hope everyone is just as excited as I am because there are so many things to look forward to and I can’t wait to see what’s more to come. This is just the beginning.”