By Maria Rita K. Anonas As we shower into the holiday season, family gatherings, reunion among friends and relatives fill our thoughts and hearts with love. This month’s Miss Manila UP is the epitome of what a gift of Love is all about. Hailing from the great State of Texas, Kristiana Marie Karnopp is a 23-year-old stunner who is not only beautiful, talented, driven and resilient but also an old soul who puts people first over herself. Her humble beginnings started in Southern California. She was born and raised in the Golden State until 8 years of age. Her parents, Darrell and Cece, both successful business entrepreneurs, decided to uproot their young family in 2006. 1,500 miles away in the suburban city of Katy, Texas, the Karnopp Family found their permanent residence there. Tiana, being the oldest of three beautiful children, helped her then 6-year-old brother Nico and 3-month-old baby sister Skyler adjust to their new lives. Nico, now 21 and Skyler, 15 are now thriving and making names for themselves. Tiana attended Obra D. Tompkins High School, the first graduating class for that school with high honours. She was a 2-sport varsity athlete - played volleyball and was a star hurdler of the track and field team. In addition to being a member of the National Honor Society, she was also given the honor of having had perfect attendance throughout high school which will later prove instrumental in her success as a young entrepreneur. Tiana graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing with a focus in Management for Sustainability and Entrepreneurship from Texas State University in San Marcos. She was on the Dean’s List and was involved in numerous clubs and organizations. But perhaps her greatest achievement to this date is managing her own...... Read more on Full Issue!