The stars aligned for Ma. Ahtisa Manalo last night!
The Miss Universe Philippines 2025 coronation proved that dreams do come true—no matter how many times you fall or how many times you try again.
The 27-year-old beauty pageant veteran from Quezon Province triumphed over 65 candidates from across the country, emerging as the winner of the highly anticipated “Puksaan” edition of the nation’s most prestigious pageant.
Manalo’s journey to the crown is nothing short of inspiring. She first gained national recognition when she represented the Philippines at Miss International 2018, where she finished as first runner-up. In 2024, she competed in Miss Universe Philippines and placed as 2nd runner-up. Shortly after, she was appointed as Miss Cosmo Philippines 2024 and landed in the Top 10 of the international pageant.
The accountancy graduate from Candelaria, Quezon didn’t give up on her dream. Taking one more shot for the MUPH crown, Ahtisa shared in an earlier statement that she found it serendipitous that this year’s Miss Universe pageant would be held in Thailand—a country she believes might appreciate her type of beauty.
A true fan favorite, Manalo was moved by the clamor of support from Filipinos urging her to try again, with hashtags like #AhtisaPa and #AhtisaPangLaban trending on social media.
In a beautiful twist of fate, she was crowned by her 2024 MUPH batchmate, Chelsea Manalo, the reigning Miss Universe Asia 2024—another Manalo making history.
The Philippines remains a powerhouse in the Miss Universe pageant, with four Filipinas having won the crown: Gloria Diaz (1969), Margie Moran (1973), Pia Wurtzbach (2015), and Catriona Gray (2018).
With her unwavering determination and grace, Ahtisa Manalo is now poised to follow in their footsteps. As she said during the Q&A round, she hopes to lead by example, and with the nation behind her, the Philippines can once again dream big.