5 glimpses into the life of Ahtisa Manalo, Miss Universe Philippines 2025
Her grandmother's memory shaped her return to the pageant stage
Above Here is Ahtisa Manalo of Quezon Province. And this is HER STORY. (Video: Youtube / Empire Philippines)
In both 2024 and 2025, Ahtisa Manalo competed at Miss Universe Philippines. This year's campaign was more personal—she dedicated it to her grandmother, who passed away months before the coronation. Her tribute during the final Q&A resonated with judges and audiences alike, underscoring a narrative of perseverance and personal loss. Outside pageantry, she's also known for her interest in gaming
Ahtisa Manalo is a known fan of Hogwarts Legacy , once admitting to playing the video game for three straight days with minimal sleep or food. The anecdote surfaced in media interviews and served to contrast the polished image often associated with beauty queens. ' Walang ligo. Eew !' she joked—offering a glimpse into a more candid, everyday persona.
Related: Miss Universe 2024 Victoria Kjaer Thelvig visits the Philippines, excited to try Sinigang and see Palawan She is an LGBTQIA+ community ally
Ahtisa Manalo has long been a vocal advocate for gender equality and LGBTQIA+ inclusion—not out of obligation, but because it has always been close to home. 'I have family members who are gay, and I have a lot of friends who are gay also—my mentors, my friends, my supporters,' she said. 'I'm surrounded by gay people and the LGBT community.' Her stance is not performative. She calls out homophobia when she sees it, and speaks with conviction about allyship. 'I really try to speak about it,' she said. 'I'm really strong when it comes to gender equality.' She has spoken publicly about the absence of her father
In a 2024 interview, Ahtisa Manalo shared that her Finnish father left when she was young, adding: 'I felt like I wasn't enough, or I was the reason he left.' Her openness about this aspect of her upbringing adds nuance to the public image she now holds and has contributed to a growing sense of relatability among supporters.
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