Suvechha Sarkar
TLC’s ’90 Day Fiancé’ has built its reputation over the years by following the journeys of couples who defy the challenge of distance across continents and different cultures. Season 12 of the show introduced 31-year-old Thomas, also known as Tonho das Mangas, from Long Beach, California, and 41-year-old Paula Barbosa from Brazil as one of the pairs. The latter is usually a free-spirited, quirky individual who often credits her success to her manifestation power. However, her partner had a completely different outlook and maintained a minimalist lifestyle, finding comfort in simplicity. Yet, as their easygoing friendship gradually evolved into an engagement, differences deepened and threatened to derail everything they had built together.
Thomas and Paula Were Forced to Confront Their Differences Before Marriage
Thomas, AKA Tonho das Mangas, had just relocated to Los Angeles, California, when fate brought Paula Barbosa into his life. She was there on a one-week vacation, and that brief meeting soon paved the way for a friendship. As they spent more time together, Thomas realized the connection between them, which led to their relationship. Ultimately, in January 2023, he proposed to her on a beach, and she said “yes” without any hesitation. When she finally arrived in California in April 2025, their reunion was deeply emotional as they embraced each other tightly. However, reality soon caught up with them as they discovered their contrasting opinions and habits while living together.
Tensions further intensified when Paula’s family arrived from Brazil and began pointing out Thomas’ childlike and stubborn personality. Those warnings put her in a challenging position and forced her to reflect on the doubts that had arisen. Just a day before their marriage, the 31-year-old questioned if they were truly ready to get married. Despite the tumultuous 90 days, the couple’s willingness to understand each other and put in consistent efforts in their relationship helped mend the growing distance between them. Over time, love, care, and mutual compromise helped them move forward side by side.
Thomas Maintains a Lifestyle Centered Around Health, Adventure, and Love
Professionally, Thomas works as a scientist, but he has chosen to keep further details of his professional life out of the spotlight. Alongside that, he had once worked as a packer at a makeup company in Brazil for a day after winning a tour with the organization. As of writing, he has built a large social media following, specifically on Instagram, where he boasts over 9.7K followers. On the platform, his content revolves around occasional glimpses into his personal life with Paula and moments from their journey together. He often collaborates with different ventures, especially with Hi Brazil Market in April and May of 2026. Aside from that, Thomas is deeply committed to fitness.
As a regular gym-goer, Thomas prioritizes maintaining peak physical condition through a strict exercise routine and a balanced diet. Whenever he isn’t busy in his professional life, he often likes unwinding through joyful experiences, including attending vibrant music festivals. Adding to his more playful interests, he is also known for his immense love for mangoes. It becomes even more evident when he shares informative and lighthearted videos about the fruit. Thomas also enjoys dressing up for Halloween, often leaning into the festive spirit, and is also fond of attending roller-skating events. Furthermore, he always ensures to shower his beloved pup with love and affection.
Paula is Expanding Her Piercing Empire While Inspiring Her Followers
Paula’s journey is rooted in creativity and bold entrepreneurial vision. She identifies herself as the creator of ear visagism and Australian piercings. Eventually, she became the CEO and founder of Brazil’s first piercing clinic, Piercing Joia. It is also a jewelry store that further offers customers Australian piercings and an ear spa. Alongside her entrepreneurial growth, Paula has also become an influencer with over 328K followers on Instagram. On her page, she actively promotes updates about the services her business offers and its website. She is also associated with SOS Piercing, which provides customers with seamless piercing removal services. Paula also uses the platform as a personal window into her professional world.
In March 2026, Paula was interviewed by Fernanda Do Vale, who brought together women from different professions. By the following month, she announced that her venture was preparing to enter its next major phase, hinting at upcoming developments that are yet to be revealed. She is also known for her collaborations, most recently with Duchapéu Casa and Amanda Djehdian Hoffmann in April and May 2026, respectively. Beyond her professional achievements, Paula enjoys spending quiet afternoons cuddling with her furry kitten. The 41-year-old also loves spending meaningful time with her loved ones during any festivities, such as Christmas, Halloween, and Easter.
Thomas and Paula Have Likely Taken the Next Step in Their Relationship
In their personal lives, Thomas and Paula had always served as each other’s strongest source of support. Whether it was celebrating each other’s birthdays or simply spending quality time at home, they consistently prioritized each other. While dating in June 2022, the pair enjoyed the electric atmosphere at the Ultra Music Festival, surrounded by live music. They often love cleaning their apartments together or going out for a bike ride on a sunny day. In September 2025, Paula expressed her love for Thomas on his birthday, mentioning how she feels alive with him. She further wrote a heartfelt message, reading, “May God lighten your life, baby! One day the world will know you better, you are amazing. I love you!!!”
Whenever the duo gets the chance, they love exploring different corners of Brazil, immersing themselves in the country’s beauty. In December 2025, during Paula’s birthday, she and Thomas took a spontaneous trip to Antônio João, Brazil. It was a moment that further highlighted their dedication to being together despite the ups and downs of life. As of writing, when viewers ask him questions about the show’s shooting details, Paula is usually the one to respond. The pair even enjoys dressing up for Halloween. Even as time has passed, neither of them has shied away from showcasing pictures and videos of themselves together on their Instagram pages.
In January 2026, they were interviewed by Karine Martins, during which the couple spoke candidly about the challenges of learning English and communicating in different languages. By April, Thomas shared their picture from the show, where Paula enthusiastically replied to a viewer. Given their recent interactions and photos together after she moved to California, it appears the pair’s relationship remains strong. From what we can tell, they may have already tied the knot privately in the presence of their family and friends, especially since Paula was expected to marry Thomas within 90 days of arriving in Los Angeles.
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