Miss Universe 2025 3rd Runner-Up Ahtisa Manalo is warmly welcomed in Manila with a grand homecoming parade, receiving the Key to the City from Mayor Isko Moreno and delighting fans across the city.
Ahtisa Manalo has kicked off her grand homecoming parade in Manila.
On Tuesday, the Miss Universe Philippines organization shared a video on social media capturing Manalo’s arrival at the Manila City Hall, where she was greeted by a sea of fans and a live band.
The organization had earlier announced that Manalo would have two homecoming parades: One in Manila and another in Pasay City at the Mall of Asia complex, which began at 3:30 p.m.
During her visit to Manila City Hall with Manila mayor Isko Moreno, the beauty queen was hailed as an “Ambassador of Hope.”
“Thank you for being an inspiration… We truly need inspiration today. Life is challenging, and you can inspire every teenager in the country,” Mayor Moreno told Manalo.
The mayor also presented Manalo with the “Key to the City,” a token of recognition usually given to heads of state and individuals who have made exceptional contributions. He expressed delight that Manila was her first stop, saying, “Manila is Kilometer Zero where dreams and success begin.”
Hailing from Quezon Province, Manalo competed against 121 candidates from around the world. While she did not bring home the crown, she became a symbol of resilience and hope for many Filipinos.
In a short interview with radar Entertainment, the Filipina beauty expressed her joy over the overwhelming support from her fans.
“Very happy to be back home,” she shared.
After her courtesy call with the mayor, Manalo joined a motorcade, where fans welcomed her with bright smiles. At the Mall of Asia Grounds in Pasay City, she expressed heartfelt gratitude to her supporters.
“I’m very happy that a lot of people came out. I know it’s a Tuesday, and I thought they would be elsewhere, but they’re here. I’m very, very happy,” she said.
Manalo arrived in the Philippines on Nov. 25, marking the end of her 18-year pageantry journey. She finished as third runner-up in the Miss Universe 2025 competition and also placed third in the Beyond the Crown category. Mexico’s Fatima Bosch was crowned Miss Universe 2025.
Hailing from Quezon Province, Ahtisa Manalo competed against 121 candidates from around the world. While she did not bring home the crown, she became a symbol of resilience and hope for many Filipinos.
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