Carla Gem Buyo

The Inspiration Behind Ahtisa Manalo's National Costume For Miss Universe 2025

Article (news)

<p><strong>Ahtisa Manalo</strong> lit up the <strong>Miss Universe</strong> stage the moment she walked out for the <strong>National Costume Competition</strong>. The crowd reacted fast, the livestream picked up, and all eyes shifted to the Philippines as she delivered one of the night’s standout moments.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1763537546625ahtisa_1763536210_3769137377567708306_42028590.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">A closer look at Ahtisa Manalo&#x27;s National Costume for the Miss Universe 2025</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>Her costume, inspired by the Philippines&#x27; love for festivals, celebrated Filipino identity through a mix of familiar symbols and thoughtful construction. The look featured the timeless silhouette of the <em>traje de mestiza</em> along with a <em>camisa </em>with bell-shaped sleeves, the <em>saya </em>or skirt, and the modest <em>pañuelo </em>draped across the shoulders. The silhouette allowed a grand entrance, and the textures supported the overall idea without taking attention away from her performance. </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1763537578283ahtisa_1763536210_3769137377567728564_42028590.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner">Ahtisa Manalo&#x27;s National Costume look was photographed at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Quezon City</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>Ahtisa&#x27;s Festival Queen emsemble is designed by renowed Filipino designer Mak Tumang. What made her walk resonate was the balance she brought. Ahtisa let the costume shine while still keeping her own presence at the center. She gave the audience time to absorb the details, yet her pacing remained sharp and controlled.</p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1763537599803ahtisa_1763536210_3769137377777481255_42028590.jpg" style="width:960px;display:block;height:auto" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><div><br/></div><p>The national costume segment pushed the excitement around her Miss Universe journey even higher. Every stage brings more support her way, and Ahtisa once again proved why many see her moving strongly through the competition.</p><div><br/></div><p>The final show is set for November 21, and anticipation is only growing. Filipinos rally behind her at every step, ready to see how she carries this energy into the final stage.</p><div><br/><br/><em>Photographed by Seven Barretto</em></div><div><em>Styled by Patty Yap</em></div><div><em>Makeup by Mickey See<br id="isPasted"/>Hair by Renz Pangilinan</em></div>

The Inspiration Behind Ahtisa Manalo's National Costume For Miss Universe 2025

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The Inspiration Behind Ahtisa Manalo's National Costume For Miss Universe 2025

Ysabella Bautista

Published November 19, 2025 03:30 PM PHT

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Updated November 19, 2025 03:52 PM PHT

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ahtisa manalo

national costume

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