To outsiders, Macau is a casino town full of bright lights and glamor. But the truth is that Macau’s real soul emanates from its people. Spend just one day in this fascinating city and you will come across all walks of life – be they young or old, rich or poor, local or international and everything in between.
One of those is our cover girl, Sofia Paiva, who will represent Macau on the global stage when she competes in the Miss International 2017 pageant in Tokyo this month. Of Chinese and Portuguese heritage, she couldn’t be more Macau if she tried. And more than just a pretty face, Sofia spends her spare time studying Psychology with a view to helping those suffering from mental illness or depression. It’s a trait Sofia has in common with the city she lives in – there is much more to her than meets the eye.
Ben Blaschke