10 things to know about Ahtisa Manalo, your Miss Universe Philippines 2025 queen
From runner-up to queen: Ahtisa Manalo's pageant journey
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(Entertainment Editor)
Ahtisa Manalo has been crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2025, emerging as the winner from a competitive field of 65 candidates during the coronation held at the Mall of Asia Arena on May 2. She will represent the Philippines at the 74th Miss Universe pageant in Thailand this November.
A veteran in the pageant scene, Manalo was first runner-up at Miss International 2018, second runner-up in Miss Universe Philippines 2024, and a Top 10 finalist at Miss Cosmo. Her impressive track record has firmly established her as a leading figure in both local and international competitions.
She succeeds Chelsea Manalo, who made history in 2024 as the first Filipina to win the Miss Universe Asia title. With four Miss Universe crowns already under the Philippines' belt, Ahtisa is set to carry forward the nation's proud tradition on the global stage.
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Ahtisa Manalo of Quezon Province was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2025 during the pageant's coronation night at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay on Friday.
Ahtisa Manalo/Instagram
2. Pageantry runs in her blood.
She's been competing since Grade 4, all to win tuition for school. That grind? Real.
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Ahtisa Manalo/Instagram
3. She's already a global girl.
She was 1st runner-up at Miss International 2018, and Top 10 at Miss Cosmo 2024. Now, it's Miss Universe or bust.
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Ahtisa Manalo/Instagram
4. She's beauty and balance sheets.
A certified accountant, Ahtisa earned her degree while juggling work, life, and pageants.
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Ahtisa Manalo/Instagram
5. At night, she's a gamer girl.
She once powered through Hogwarts Legacy with 99% completion—barely ate, barely slept, and proudly admits it.
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Ahtisa Manalo/Instagram
6. She's got baton skills.
Former lead majorette in high school. And yes, she can still twirl it like a pro.
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Ahtisa Manalo/Instagram
7. Her inspo? Mulan.
Favorite quote: 'The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all.' Fitting, right?
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Ahtisa Manalo/Instagram
8. She's never met her biological dad.
It shaped her, challenged her, and she's turned that pain into power.
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Ahtisa Manalo/Instagram
9. She's a lola's girl.
Her late grandmother raised her, put her through school, and remains her biggest inspiration.
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Ahtisa Manalo/Instagram
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