Ahtisa Manalo Crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2025
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Ahtisa Manalo Crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2025: A Story of Triumph and Sweet Revenge
Maria Ahtisa Manalo of Quezon Province has been crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2025, marking a triumphant return for one of the country’s most seasoned and beloved pageant veterans. The coronation night at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City saw Manalo rise above a highly competitive field, securing her place as the Philippines’ representative to the Miss Universe 2025 pageant in Bangkok, Thailand.
A Journey Rooted in Resilience
Ahtisa Manalo’s story is one of perseverance and transformation. Born on May 25, 1997, in Candelaria, Quezon, Manalo grew up in humble circumstances, raised by her grandmother and godfather. To help fund her education, she joined local beauty pageants as early as fourth grade, drawn by the promise of scholarships and financial support. What began as a practical pursuit soon blossomed into a passion and a platform for personal growth.
Her early pageant experiences included representing Quezon in the Reyna ng Aliwan festival in 2017, finishing as second runner-up, and winning the Queen of Niyogyugan Festival title in 2016.
Rise to National Prominence
Manalo’s breakthrough came in 2018 when, at just 20 years old, she won the Binibining Pilipinas International crown, becoming the youngest winner that year. She represented the Philippines at Miss International 2018 in Tokyo, where she finished as first runner-up, a feat that instantly established her as a significant force in Philippine pageantry.
Her poised and thoughtful answers during Q&A segments and regal bearing earned her widespread admiration. After her Miss International stint, Manalo was widely regarded as a future national queen, though her journey would take several turns before culminating in her Miss Universe Philippines victory.
A Comeback Queen: The Miss Cosmo Setback and Sweet Revenge
Despite being a heavy favorite, Manalo’s first attempt at the Miss Universe Philippines crown in 2024 saw her finish as second runner-up. She was subsequently appointed Miss Philippines-Cosmo 2024 and represented the country at the inaugural Miss Cosmo International pageant in Vietnam. There, she finished in the Top 10, which many fans considered disappointing given her frontrunner status and firm performance. This near-miss was pivotal in Manalo’s journey, fueling her determination to return stronger.
Her experience at Miss Cosmo 2024 became a source of motivation and, ultimately, a narrative of sweet revenge. Many pageant enthusiasts and supporters viewed her Miss Universe Philippines 2025 victory as a fitting and poetic comeback after not clinching the Miss Cosmo crown. The triumph was a personal achievement and a public redemption, proving her resilience and ability to rise above setbacks.
Defining Moments: Grace Under Pressure
The 2025 competition was as dramatic as it was competitive. During the evening gown segment, Manalo slipped and fell onstage- a moment that could have rattled even the most seasoned competitor. Instead, she rose with poise, smiled, and finished her walk, earning admiration from the audience and social media alike for her composure and professionalism. She addressed this incident during the Q&A, drawing a parallel between her onstage fall and her ability to come back stronger from life’s setbacks, including her previous pageant disappointments.
Crowning Moment and Legacy
On the night of May 2, 2025, Manalo’s journey came full circle as outgoing Miss Universe Philippines Chelsea Manalo crowned her. The victory was celebrated by pageant fans and fellow queens alike, including Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, who publicly expressed her joy and support for her 2018 batchmate.
“She’s such a seasoned pageant journey and I think as a comeback queen myself… to see her rewarded, I will be so happy for her.” — Catriona Gray, Miss Universe 2018
What’s Next for Ahtisa Manalo
Ahtisa Manalo will now prepare to represent the Philippines at Miss Universe 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand, on November 2. Her victory is not just a personal triumph but a testament to resilience, reinvention, and the enduring power of dreams. With her experience, advocacy, and unyielding spirit, Manalo stands poised to make the country proud globally.
A Storied Pageant Career: Highlights
| Year | Pageant | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Reyna ng Aliwan | 2nd Runner-Up |
| 2016 | Queen of Niyogyugan Festival | Winner |
| 2018 | Binibining Pilipinas International | Winner |
| 2018 | Miss International | 1st Runner-Up |
| 2024 | Miss Universe Philippines | 2nd Runner-Up |
| 2024 | Miss Cosmo International | Top 10 |
| 2025 | Miss Universe Philippines | Winner |
Ahtisa Manalo’s journey is a beacon for aspiring queens: persistence, authenticity, and heart can turn even the most modest beginnings and painful setbacks into a legacy of inspiration and achievement. Her Miss Universe Philippines 2025 crown is not just a victory, but a sweet revenge and a testament to the power of never giving up.
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