Ahtisa Manalo extends the Philippines’ Miss Universe winning streak with a strong third runner-up finish in Bangkok, delivering standout performances in every segment from national costume to evening gown and Q&A.
Ahtisa Manalo fought hard for the Philippines, securing a third runner-up finish at the recently concluded 74th Miss Universe pageant in Bangkok, Thailand—extending the country’s celebrated winning streak on the global stage.
From the preliminary competition onward, Manalo didn’t just perform; she captivated both Filipino supporters and international pageant fans who were watching closely as she pursued the country’s fifth Miss Universe crown.
Despite swirling controversies around the Miss Universe Organization leading up to coronation night, Manalo remained unfazed. She delivered a flawless presentation from start to finish, beginning with her “Festejadas,” or “Festival Queen,” national costume by Filipino designer Mak Tumang, an elaborate tribute to Filipino culture and vibrant local fiestas.
Her momentum continued in the swimsuit segment, where she exuded confidence and polish in Bench’s blue “Power of Love” two-piece, showcasing a commanding pasarela that drew loud cheers from the arena.
Manalo then stunned audiences again in her Mak Tumang evening gown titled “Pinktada,” an unexpected yet breathtaking creation inspired by the Pinctada maxima. Tumang described the piece as embodying the “rays of the Universe crown,” and Manalo delivered a runway moment that was both powerful and serene.
During finals night, boosted by the roaring support of Filipino fans at the Impact Arena, Manalo once again commanded the stage. With a heartfelt smile, she proudly introduced herself and the country—“Pilipinas”—during the opening introductions.
Her journey continued as she advanced into the Top 30, then the Top 12, with each round showcasing her poise. In the swimsuit category, she impressed in a pure white “Sky of Thailand” two-piece set. She then floated across the stage in a dreamy, white beaded Val Taguba gown for the evening wear segment, reinforcing her queenly presence.
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Her strong performances secured her a spot in the Top 5, bringing her one step closer to the crown. In the first Q&A, judge Minnie Baloyi asked: “As a global ambassador or citizen, what will be your contribution to humanity?”
Manalo’s reply: “I want to be the hope of people. I come from a very poor background. I started pageants at 10 years old to put myself through school and to lift my family out of poverty. And if there’s anything I want to show the universe, it’s that I’m here right now. I’m standing as Miss Universe because I was able to get myself out of any situation because I was hardworking, persistent, and I fought for what I wanted. Thank you.”
For the final question—“If you win the title of Miss Universe 2025 tonight, how will you use your voice to empower young girls?”—Manalo once again delivered with sincerity:
“I work with an organization called Alon Akademie where we help young people access opportunities and realize that their life circumstances do not define their future. I want to continue working with Alon Akademie on a global platform like Miss Universe to ensure that young people from low-income backgrounds are given the same opportunities as everyone else. Thank you.”
With her heartfelt responses and exceptional performances, Manalo ended the night as Miss Universe 2025 Third Runner-Up, a placement that reinforces the Philippines’ enduring dominance in the Miss Universe arena.
Despite swirling controversies around the Miss Universe Organization leading up to coronation night, Ahtisa Manalo remained unfazed and delivered a flawless presentation from start to finish.
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