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Metro: Miss Universe Philippines 2025 Ahtisa Manalo

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Lance Joseph Martinez

<div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1762968479174METRO MISS UNIVERSE PHILIPPINES 2025 AHTISA MANALO.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner"> Miss Universe Philippines 2025 Ahtisa Manalo, as photographed by Dookie Ducay</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>Before Christmas Day even arrives, another highly anticipated event already feels like a holiday for many Filipinos—the upcoming <strong>Miss Universe 2025 </strong>pageant.</p><p>Every year, the global competition captures the hearts of Filipino fans, many of whom passionately follow the journey of the country’s representative from the <strong>Miss Universe Philippines</strong> stage to the international arena.</p><p>This year, the excitement is even more intense. Pageant fans are rallying behind <strong>Ahtisa Manalo</strong>, the <strong>Miss Universe Philippines 2025</strong> titleholder<strong></strong>, whose journey to the crown has been years in the making.  </p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1762969759262cs embed_AHTISA METRO4429.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1762978416346cs embed_AHTISA METRO4462.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">On Ahtisa: Dress by Mark Bumgarner and jewelry by Jewelmer</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>Ever since she first entered the pageant scene in 2018, Ahtisa has been one of the most beloved and anticipated candidates to wear the Philippine sash.</p><p>Ahtisa, who hails from Quezon Province, first captured public attention during <strong>Binibining Pilipinas 2018</strong>, where she initially joined with different goals—only to be “redirected” toward victory. She eventually won <strong>Binibining Pilipinas International 2018</strong> and went on to place first runner-up at <strong>Miss International 2018</strong> in Tokyo. Her batch was considered one of the strongest in local pageant history, also producing <strong>Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray</strong> and <strong>Miss Intercontinental 2018 Karen Gallman</strong>.</p><p>Since then, fans have eagerly awaited her return. With her intelligence, grace, and commanding presence, many believed Ahtisa was destined for the Universe crown. In 2024, she attempted a comeback but was appointed <strong>Miss Cosmo Philippines 2024</strong> instead. Undeterred by the unexpected turn, she tried again, and this time, in 2025, she finally captured the Miss Universe Philippines crown. Now, the golden girl glows more than ever, radiating the spirit and power of determination.</p><p>With the <strong>74th Miss Universe</strong> pageant set for November 21, 2025, in Thailand, Ahtisa is in full preparation mode, making sure she’s ready for the global stage—both physically and mentally.</p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1762978518606cs embed_AHTISA METRO6712.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1762978775069cs embed_AHTISA METRO6722.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1762979761243cs embed_AHTISA METRO6734.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">On Ahtisa: Dress by John Sevilla and jewelry by Jewelmer </span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>While she’s been putting in the hard work, Ahtisa makes sure not to neglect her mental well-being, knowing how crucial balance is in a competition of this scale.</p><p>“For me, it is important that I keep my balance. As much as I’m working, I also make sure that I destress. I rest. I see my friends. I see my family. Because Miss Universe is more than just a physical game; it’s a mental game as well. And I gotta make sure that I’m at my best. And being at my best means being at my best as a sister, as a daughter, as a friend, and all that,” she shared.</p><p>Alongside mental conditioning, physical training is also a major part of her daily routine. “You know, the physical preparations, it’s a given,” Ahtisa said in an interview with Metro.Style months before she flew to Thailand for Miss Universe&#x27;s pre-coronation night activities. She trained for <em>pasarela </em>(runway walk) and made sure to go to the gym regularly (“I try to work out twice a day,“ she said). Ahtisa also does pilates and yoga—”I’m even into running now to make sure that I cut some weight,” Ahtisa added, emphasizing the importance of working out and making sure she eats healthy.</p><p>The months leading up to her trip to Thailand for the competition, Ahtisa said, were ”a preparation for who I’m gonna be when I get there.” Now, with just days left before Miss Universe 2025, Ahtisa sees this final stretch as a crucial period to refine every aspect of herself before stepping onto the pageant&#x27;s stage. </p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1762979995464cs embed_AHTISA METRO6552.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1762980069822cs embed_AHTISA METRO6557.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div><strong>&#x27;Thailand, please be good to me’</strong></div><p>Recently, Ahtisa got a glimpse of what awaits her when she visited Thailand to host Mr. International 2025, where Filipino representative Kirk Bondad took home the crown. As her plane landed in Bangkok—the very place where Miss Universe will be held—she had one heartfelt wish.</p><p>“I hope it whispered something to me, and I just didn’t hear it. But when I got there, before I landed, as I was landing in Thailand, I said, ‘Thailand, please be good to me.’ Because that’s all I can ask for, right? I hope that Thailand makes my dreams come true,” she revealed.</p><p>Beyond the competition itself, Ahtisa is also looking forward to connecting with fellow candidates from around the world and sharing Filipino values on the global stage.</p><p>“There are so many things that I want to share with them. And of course, things are going to come up as we speak and as things go along. But I think the most important thing I’m going to bring up to them is how much &#x27;<em>b</em><em>ayanihan</em>&#x27;<em></em> spirit we actually have,” she shared.</p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1762980461464cs embed_AHTISA METRO7827.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1762980553524cs embed_AHTISA METRO8029.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">On Ahtisa: Dress by John Sevilla and jewelry by Jewelmer </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><p>She explained that this spirit is especially evident during online voting seasons in Miss Universe, where Filipino fans have consistently propelled several candidates forward, either by casting votes through apps or by actively engaging on social media, a show of support that has often placed Philippine representatives at the top in recent years.</p><p>“When it’s voting time in Miss Universe, they can see that the Filipinos really rally behind their queens. And I think that’s just such a beautiful thing about the Filipino pageant fans. And the Filipino community in general—making sure that we strive for one goal. And we all align to make sure something happens,” she said.</p><p>Looking back on her two attempts at the Miss Universe Philippines crown, Ahtisa reflected on how much she has changed throughout the process. While she believes she’s still the same person at her core, she’s also grown immensely, and one of her most important realizations is the beauty of vulnerability.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1762980703046cs embed_AHTISA METRO8176.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px;display:block" width="700"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1762980768947cs embed_AHTISA METRO8195.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/><span class="fr-inner">On Ahtisa: Dress by Dandy Temporosa and jewelry by Jewelmer</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>For her, vulnerability meant finding the beauty in expressing her true self, a lesson she gained after being a more reserved and private person before winning Miss Universe Philippines 2025.</p><p>“I saw the beauty in opening up. I’ve always been a closed-off person. Only my friends know who I am, and the people who are close to me. But I realized that there’s beauty in letting people know who you are. And in letting people know your flaws and your imperfections. And it’s such a nice feeling to be liked or to be loved for being who you are,” she reflected.</p><p>With that newfound perspective, Ahtisa hopes to use her platform to inspire others to pursue their dreams, no matter how impossible they may seem.</p><p>“I really want people to go for their dreams, especially kids. I started dreaming of becoming Miss Universe at 10 years old. And 18 years later, I’ve achieved my dream. It’s just a testament that it is possible to achieve your dreams,” she declared. “No matter how far-fetched they seem. As long as you work hard. As long as you persevere. You don’t lose sight of what you want to achieve. It’s possible.”</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1762980939967cs embed_AHTISA METRO8220.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1762980968767cs embed_AHTISA METRO8252.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><p>Her mission now goes beyond personal ambition. Ahtisa’s ultimate goal is to be a symbol of hope, proving that anyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve something extraordinary.</p><p>“I really want them to see that it doesn’t matter where you come from in life. It doesn’t matter your circumstances. You can be a poor girl from the province and yet achieve a big dream as big as Miss Universe,” she shared.</p><p>When asked about what’s next for her after she achieves her own dreams, particularly in the pageant scene, Ahtisa shared that her focus will shift toward helping her family fulfill theirs.</p><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1762981123467cs embed_AHTISA METRO8264.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1762981160288cs embed_AHTISA METRO8303.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><p>“All of this, this dream I’m living right now, is to make sure that I can live my family’s dream for the next one. I want to provide them with a better life. I want to make sure my little sister finishes college. My brother just finished college. And I’m helping put them through school. So, it’s really important for me to see them be successful and to see them achieve their dreams,” Ahtisa shared.</p><p>And to aspiring beauty queens, Ahtisa leaves a heartfelt message that comes from her own experience and purpose.</p><p>“Make sure that you know what you’re getting yourself into. For me, the reason I joined pageantry is because I wanted to put myself through school. And I wanted to help my family. So, I think it’s really important to know your &#x27;why&#x27; when you come into pageantry. Because it’s a big world. It’s a world that can carry you in different directions. But as long as you know yourself and you don’t lose sight of your goal, it’s going to be a really good experience,” she concluded.</p><p>And it will be a good experience. “Thailand, please be good to me.“ Let the power of manifestation begin, as the Filipino community whispers and echoes Ahtisa&#x27;s wish to the universe.</p><div><br/></div><p>Photography by <strong>Dookie Ducay</strong></p><p>Sittings editors: <strong>Geolette Esguerra </strong>and <strong>Randz Manucom </strong><strong></strong><strong></strong></p><p>Managing Editor: <strong>Rick Formalejo</strong></p><p>Creative direction and post-processing by <strong>Vince Canlapan</strong>, assisted by <strong>Gallahan Ventura</strong><strong></strong></p><p>Styling by <strong>Ryuji Shiomitsu</strong>, assisted by <strong>Lorenzo Rafael</strong></p><p>Makeup by <strong>Mickey See</strong>, assisted by <strong>Angelu Dominguez</strong><strong></strong><strong></strong></p><p>Hairstyling by <strong>Renz Pangilinan</strong>, assisted by <strong>Randolf Cullanay</strong><strong></strong><br/></p><p>Editorial Assistant: <strong>Krystel Matias</strong><strong></strong><br/></p><p>With interviews by <strong>Grace Libero-Cruz</strong></p><p>Videography by <strong>Pat Buenaobra</strong></p><p>Special thanks to <strong>Empire PH/Mercator</strong></p>

<p>During a recent trip to Thailand ahead of Miss Universe 2025, Ahtisa Manalo <i>carried one heartfelt wish a</i>s her plane touched down in the country hosting this year's competition.</p>

During a recent trip to Thailand ahead of Miss Universe 2025, Ahtisa Manalo carried one heartfelt wish a s her plane touched down in the country hosting this year's competition.

Golden Girl Ahtisa Manalo Shares What She Whispered in Thailand Ahead of the Miss Universe Competition

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Golden Girl Ahtisa Manalo Shares What She Whispered in Thailand Ahead of the Miss Universe Competition

Lance Joseph Martinez

Published November 19, 2025 12:00 PM PHT

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Updated November 19, 2025 12:06 PM PHT

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