Miss Philippines Ahtisa Manalo ended her Miss Universe 2025 run as the third runner-up.
This is the highest placement that the Philippines has achieved at the prestigious global pageant in three years. The last time a Filipina candidate was in the Top 5 was in 2021 with Miss Philippines Beatrice Gomez. In 2022, Celeste Cortesi was unable to advance to the competition’s Top 16, while Michelle Dee finished in the Top 10 in 2023 and Chelsea Manalo advanced to the Top 30 in 2024.
On November 21 at the Impact Challenger Hall in Thailand, Manalo found herself in the Top 5 with Miss Thailand Praveenar Singh, Miss Venezuela Stephany Abesali, Miss Côte d’Ivoire Olivia Yace, and Miss Mexico Fátima Bosch.
Bosch was crowned Miss Universe 2025.
Ahtisa Manalo: A Strong Run
For fans, Manalo gave an exceptional performance in all of the pageant’s categories. During the national costume presentation, the Quezon-born queen donned a traditional gown inspired by the fiestas of the Philippines. Created by renowned designer Mak Tumang, the ensemble brought the vibrancy of Filipino celebrations to the Miss Universe international stage. “The skirt, built from more than 65,000 individual petals, brings together the stories of our greatest festivals,” wrote the Miss Universe Philippines organization in its official announcement of the costume. “It is a tapestry of artistry that reflects the joy and creativity of our people.”
In the pageant’s swimsuit competition, Manalo embodied confidence as she walked onstage in a white two-piece suit, complete with golden flowers hanging from her hip. She showed this same self-assurance in the evening gown competition, where she wore an elegant silver number created by acclaimed designer Val Taguba.
For the Q&A portion of the pageant, Manalo was asked the question, “As a global ambassador or citizen, what will be your contribution to humanity?”
“I want to be the hope of people,” answered Manalo. She then spoke on her childhood and how she began joining pageants at 10 years old to help financially support her family. “I’m standing as Miss Universe because I was able to get myself out of any situation,” she continued, “because I was hardworking, I was persistent, and I fight for what I want.”
All Top 5 contestants were asked how they would use the Miss Universe title to platform and empower young girls. Manalo spoke of her experience working with non-profit organization Alon Akademie, which aims to provide children with more opportunities regardless of their life circumstances. “I want to continue working with Alon Akademie on a bigger platform like Miss Universe to pursue making sure that people who come from low-income backgrounds are given the same opportunities as everyone else,” said Manalo.
