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Ahtisa Manalo

In this Philippine name for natural children, there is no middle name nor paternal family name, but the surname or maternal family name is Manalo.

Maria Ahtisa Manalo (Tagalog: [mɐˈɾia ʔɐˈtɪsa mɐˈnalɔ]; born May 25, 1997) is a Filipino beauty pageant titleholder who was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2025. She will represent the Philippines at the Miss Universe 2025 pageant.

She previously represented the Philippines at Miss International 2018, where she placed as first runner-up. Manalo later represented Quezon in the Miss Universe Philippines pageant in both 2024 and 2025. In the 2024 edition, she placed as second runner-up and was subsequently appointed to represent the Philippines at Miss Cosmo 2024, where she finished in the top 10.

Early life and education

Manalo was born on May 27, 1997, in Candelaria, Quezon, to a Filipino-Spanish mother and a Finnish-Swedish father.[2][3] She was named after her biological father, Ahti, from whom she has remained estranged.[4] Raised by her grandmother, with educational support from her godfather, [5] Manalo initially intended to become a police officer and applied to the Philippine National Police Academy. She later pursued a degree in accountancy at the Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation.[5][6][7]

Pageantry

Early pageants

Manalo began participating in local beauty pageants at the age of 10 to help support her education.[8] In 2017, she competed in her first national pageant, Reyna ng Aliwan, a festival-themed competition, where she represented the Niyogyugan Festival of Quezon and placed as second runner-up.[7]

Binibining Pilipinas 2018

Main article: Binibining Pilipinas 2018

On March 18, 2018, Manalo participated in the Binibining Pilipinas 2018 pageant held at the Araneta Coliseum.[9] During the final question and answer portion, she was asked how a beauty queen should respond to ruthless criticism, to which she replied that public figures should address criticism mindfully and constructively.[10]

At the end of the event, Manalo was crowned Binibining Pilipinas International 2018 by outgoing titleholder Maria Angelica de Leon.[11][12] At 20 years old, she was the youngest winner in that edition of the pageant.[13]

Miss International 2018

Main article: Miss International 2018

As the winner of Binibining Pilipinas International 2018, Manalo represented the Philippines at Miss International 2018, held on November 9, 2018, at the Tokyo Dome City Hall.

For the coronation night, she wore a gown designed by Filipino couturier Michael Cinco.[14] In the Top 8 final speech, she highlighted her willingness to lead despite her young age and expressed her commitment to serving as "the voice of the youth," emphasizing that "hard work and determination can overcome obstacles."[15][16]

At the end of the event, Manalo was first runner-up to Mariem Velazco of Venezuela.[17] She later crowned Bea Magtanong as her successor during the Binibining Pilipinas 2019 pageant.[18]

Following Miss International, Manalo was considered a potential candidate for future national pageants.[19] she filed her application for Miss Universe Philippines 2020,[20] but later withdrew due to medical issues.[21][22] Her withdrawal led to accusations that it was a publicity stunt, though she clarified that she had submitted her application late, as she was uncertain about her decision to compete.[23]

Miss Universe Philippines 2024

Main article: Miss Universe Philippines 2024

On January 27, 2024, the Miss Universe Philippines Quezon Province pageant announced that Manalo would represent the province at Miss Universe Philippines 2024.[24][25] Leading up to the competition, she was considered a "heavy favorite" to win.[26] During the preliminary competition, she earned eight special awards from the pageant's sponsors, the most of any contestant that year.[27][28]

At the coronation night, Manalo wore a gown designed by Michael Cinco.[29] She advanced to the Top 5 and was asked, "Women learn from each other. What is the biggest lesson that you've learned from another woman?" In her response, she emphasized kindness as an important lesson and described her grandmother as the "embodiment of what a great woman is."[30]

At the end of the event, Manalo was announced as the second runner-up to Chelsea Manalo of Bulacan.[31] Following the coronation, Manalo was appointed Miss Cosmo Philippines 2024.[32] Manalo's finish was criticized online as a "downgrade" from her first runner-up position at Miss International 2018.[26] In response, she explained that she chose the title, drawing from her experiences in the startup industry and her passion for "being part of making something out of nothing".[33]

Miss Cosmo 2024

Main article: Miss Cosmo 2024

Manalo was among those injured when the stage for the Miss Cosmo finals collapsed during rehearsals, sustaining a sprained ankle.[34][35] For the national costume presentation on September 19, 2024, she wore an orange ensemble designed by Ehran Montoya, inspired by Dyesebel, a popular fictional mermaid. She placed third in the Cosmo People's Choice national costume poll.[36]

Manalo placed in the Top 10 after advancing through the first round of the People's Choice Award.[37] She also received the overall People's Choice Award and the title of Miss Cosmo Tourism Ambassador.[38] Following her finish in the pageant, Manalo encouraged her supporters to refrain from bullying the Miss Cosmo organization or its winner.[39]

Miss Universe Philippines 2025

Main article: Miss Universe Philippines 2025

On February 13, 2025, Manalo was reappointed as the local Miss Universe Philippines titleholder for Quezon, marking her second attempt at securing the national title.[40] In a media interview, she revealed that her second appointment had been a "last-minute decision" due to the withdrawal of her local successor.[41][42] Like her previous attempts, Manalo was considered a frontrunner for the crown, and her performance in the early stages was seen as an improvement from her initial stint.[43]

During the preliminary competition, Manalo won four special awards from the pageant's sponsors.[44][45] Her national costume, inspired by the mythical creature tiktik was designed by Ehrran Montoya.[46]

Manalo advanced to the Top 24 and later made it to the Top 12. During the evening gown competition in the latter stage, she accidentally stepped on her gown and stumbled on stage but quickly recovered and continued. Sean Castello III of Mega Magazine noted that her recovery marked a pivotal moment in her performance, with wider discussions comparing the incident to Miriam Quiambao during Miss Universe 1999.[47][48][49]

Manalo advanced to the Top 6, where she was asked, "They say that a good leader leads by example. Tell us about one event in your life when you led by example, and the impact it made." In her response, she referenced her earlier stage mishap, relating it to how she overcomes setbacks in her life, and emphasized that winning the title was a shared dream with her late grandmother.[50][51]

Manalo was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2025 by her predecessor, Chelsea Manalo.[52] The provincial government of Quezon announced plans for a homecoming parade in her honor.[53]

Miss Universe 2025

Main article: Miss Universe 2025

Manalo will represent the Philippines at the Miss Universe 2025 pageant in Thailand on November 21, 2025.[54]

Other ventures

In interviews with Rappler, GMA News, and the Philippine Entertainment Portal, Manalo discussed her involvement in the café business, operating two establishments in Australia—Cafe Noun and Call Me Harris. has also played a key role in the creation and expansion of food brands such as Koomi, Oh My Greek, and Zig Foods, with locations in her home province of Quezon, throughout the Philippines, and internationally.[55][56][57]

On October 9, 2024, Manalo filed her candidacy to run for a seat in the Candelaria Municipal Council in 2025 running under the slate of incumbent mayor Ogie Suayan.[58] However, she later withdrew from the race after being reappointed as the local Miss Universe Philippines titleholder for Quezon. [41][59][60]

Public image

Manalo is frequently referred to in the media as the pambansang manika (lit. 'national doll'), owing to her doll-like features.[41] In the lead-up to Miss International 2018, pageant analyst Voltaire Tayag described her as possessing "the type of beauty, charm, demeanor and physique" suited for success in the competition.[61] Biel Arevalo of Mega Magazine characterized her natural features as "delicate and doll-like," and noted her preference for "minimal and radiant" styling, which contrasts with the more theatrical makeup typically associated with pageantry.[62]

Advocacies and platforms

Manalo identifies as an ally of the LGBTQIA+ community and an advocate for gender equality.[5][63] She is also involved with Alon Akademie, an organization that focuses on developing children's global citizenship, social skills, and entrepreneurial mindset.[64][65]

Personal life

In an interview with Boy Abunda, which aired on May 7, 2025, Manalo confirmed that she is single. She shared that she prefers to "wait for the right person rather than actively searching for a relationship." She also highlighted the importance of self-worth, stating that any future partner must bring something meaningful to her already fulfilling life.[66]

References

  1. ^ Lo, Ricky (March 25, 2018). "More than skin deep". The Philippine Star. Retrieved May 7, 2025.
  2. ^ Vergara, Alex Y. "Ahtisa Manalo: Dutiful & beautiful". Philstar.com. Archived from the original on June 21, 2023. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  3. ^ "Ahtisa Manalo ready to conquer the Miss Universe stage: 'I'm a lot stronger now'". Manila Bulletin. Archived from the original on May 9, 2024. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
  4. ^ Basina, Carby Rose (May 7, 2025). "Ahtisa Manalo on her biological father: 'We don't have a relationship'". GMA News Online. Retrieved May 7, 2025.
  5. ^ a b c Pasajol, Anne (May 3, 2025). "IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Get to know Miss Universe Philippines 2025 Ahtisa Manalo". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved May 6, 2025.
  6. ^ Mwendwa, Winfred (March 3, 2020). "Ahtisa Manalo profile: Bio, family, age, boyfriend". Kami.com.ph. Archived from the original on June 12, 2023. Retrieved June 12, 2023.
  7. ^ a b Arnaldo, Steph (May 3, 2025). "Who is Ahtisa Manalo, Miss Universe Philippines 2025?". Rappler. Retrieved May 3, 2025.
  8. ^ Pagulong, Charmie Joy (May 6, 2025). "Ahtisa Manalo's mom proud of daughter's MUPH feat". Philstar.com. Retrieved May 6, 2025.
  9. ^ "Get to know Bb Pilipinas International 2018 Ma. Ahtisa Manalo". RAPPLER. March 21, 2018. Archived from the original on June 4, 2023. Retrieved June 13, 2023.
  10. ^ Santos, Jamil (March 27, 2018). "What Bb. Pilipinas-International Ahtisa Manalo learned from her Q&A 'stutter'". GMA News Online. Archived from the original on January 27, 2024. Retrieved June 13, 2023.
  11. ^ "Catriona Gray crowned Miss Universe-PH to lead all winners in Bb. Pilipinas 2018 pageant". Interaksyon. March 19, 2018. Archived from the original on March 1, 2019. Retrieved February 28, 2019.
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  27. ^ Bracamonte, Earl (May 21, 2024). "Ahtisa Manalo sweeps Miss Universe Philippines 2024 preliminaries special awards". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on May 21, 2024. Retrieved May 21, 2024.
  28. ^ "Ahtisa Manalo of Quezon Province bags 8 special awards in Miss Universe Philippines 2024 prelims". GMA News Online. May 22, 2024. Archived from the original on May 25, 2024. Retrieved May 25, 2024.
  29. ^ Diaz, One Carlo (May 23, 2024). "Gowns by Dubai designers shine on Miss Universe Philippines stage". The National. Archived from the original on May 25, 2024. Retrieved May 25, 2024.
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  31. ^ Abad, Ysa (May 22, 2024). "Bulacan's Chelsea Manalo is Miss Universe Philippines 2024". RAPPLER. Archived from the original on May 22, 2024. Retrieved May 25, 2024.
  32. ^ Purnell, Kristofer (May 23, 2024). "LIST: Miss Universe Philippines 2024, 4 more titles' winners; special awards". Philstar.com. Archived from the original on May 23, 2024. Retrieved May 25, 2024.
  33. ^ Adina, Armin P. (June 11, 2024). "Ahtisa Manalo confirms she chose to receive Miss Cosmo Philippines title". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved June 12, 2024.
  34. ^ Castillejo, Dyan (September 30, 2024). "Miss Cosmo PH Ahtisa Manalo recovering from ankle injury after stage incident in Vietnam". ABS-CBN. Retrieved September 30, 2024.
  35. ^ Basina, Carby Rose (October 2, 2024). "Miss Cosmo announces new venue for coronation night following 'technical incident'". GMA Network. GMA News. Retrieved May 2, 2025.
  36. ^ "Ahtisa Manalo transforms into Dyesebel for Miss Cosmo International 2024's National Costume Show". PEP.ph. Retrieved September 28, 2024.
  37. ^ Basina, Carby (May 23, 2024). "Ahtisa Manalo named Miss Cosmo PH, Alexie Brooks hailed as Miss Eco International PH". GMA News Online. Archived from the original on May 25, 2024. Retrieved May 25, 2024.
  38. ^ Llemit, Kathleen A. (October 6, 2024). "Philippines' Ahtisa Manalo wins People's Choice Award at 1st Miss Cosmo 2024". Philstar.com. Retrieved May 4, 2025.
  39. ^ Mallorca, Hannah (October 8, 2024). "Ahtisa Manalo calls out pageant fans: Quit bullying Miss Cosmo 2024 winner". MSN. MSN. Retrieved May 2, 2025.
  40. ^ Escuadro, Kiko (February 14, 2025). "Is Ahtisa Manalo ready for another shot at MUPh '25?". Daily Tribune. Retrieved May 5, 2025.
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  54. ^ Reyes, Juno (May 2, 2025). "Quezon Province's Ahtisa Manalo is Miss Universe Philippines 2025". Rappler. Retrieved May 2, 2025.
  55. ^ Tuazon, Nikko (August 17, 2019). "Beauty queen Ahtisa Manalo chooses food business over luxury items". PEP.ph. Archived from the original on August 7, 2022. Retrieved June 13, 2023.
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  57. ^ Arnaldo, Steph. "Who is Ahtisa Manalo, Miss Universe Philippines 2025?". Rappler. Retrieved May 5, 2025.
  58. ^ Sandoval, Tony (October 9, 2024). "Beauty queen Ahtisa Manalo, tatakbong konsehal sa Candelaria" [Beauty Queen Ahtisa Manalo running for Candelaria Councilor]. Philstar.com. Retrieved May 5, 2025.
  59. ^ Escuadro, Kiko (February 26, 2025). "Ahtisa Manalo exits politics to pursue Miss Universe Phl crown". Daily Tribune. Retrieved May 5, 2025.
  60. ^ Wang, Nickie (February 25, 2025). "Ahtisa Manalo bows out of politics to pursue Miss Universe Philippines crown". Manila Standard. Retrieved May 5, 2025.
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  62. ^ Arevalo, Biel (March 19, 2025). "Could Ahtisa Manalo's Doll-Like Glam Win Her the Miss Universe Crown?". mega-asia.com. Retrieved May 7, 2025.
  63. ^ Acar, Aedrianne. "#PanaloSiManalo: What you should know about Miss International 2018 First runner-up Ahtisa Manalo". GMA Network. Archived from the original on June 21, 2023. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
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  65. ^ Guiral, Angela Nicole. "5 glimpses into the life of Ahtisa Manalo, Miss Universe Philippines 2025". Tatler Asia. Tatler Publishing. Retrieved May 5, 2025.
  66. ^ "Ahtisa Manalo opens up about current relationship status". ABS-CBN. May 10, 2025. Retrieved May 11, 2025.
Awards and achievements
Preceded by Miss Universe Philippines
2025 		Succeeded by
Incumbent
Preceded by
First
 Miss Cosmo Philippines
2024 		Succeeded by
Preceded by
Curaçao Chanelle de Lau
 Miss International
(1st Runner-Up)
2018 		Succeeded by
Preceded by
Mariel de Leon
(Las Piñas)
 Binibining Pilipinas International
2018 		Succeeded by