Miss Universe Philippines Ahtisa Manalo prepares for the 74th Miss Universe in Bangkok with guidance from 2018 titleholder Catriona Gray.
As excitement builds for the 74th Miss Universe pageant in Bangkok, Thailand, Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray has shared heartfelt and practical advice for the Philippines’ representative, Ahtisa Manalo, who is set to compete for the country’s fifth Miss Universe crown.
Known for her intelligence, authenticity, and poise, Catriona reflected on her own Miss Universe journey and offered valuable insights on how to stay grounded amid the pressures of international competition and social media attention.
“To close off the feedback loop to the people that you trust the most, that’s what I did when I competed,” Gray explained in an interview with entertainment correspondent MJ Marfori during the 20th anniversary of Cornerstone Entertainment.
She added: “Social media is great for cheering and encouragement, but it can also be very distracting. It can turn negative quickly, and I think it was better for me when I focused on my core team asking them for feedback about how people were receiving what I was putting out there, but I didn’t actually read the comments myself.”
Gray emphasized the importance of protecting mental health, particularly in an era where public scrutiny is amplified through online platforms.
“In this day and age, social media is so magnified,” she continued. “From a pageant perspective, it has its pros and cons. My advice to Ahtisa would be to do everything you can to protect your peace and to have endurance for the journey ahead. It’s not easy to show up as your best for months and months at a time, but this competition demands consistency and strength.”
Having conquered the Miss Universe stage herself, Gray knows the challenges that come with representing the Philippines, a country known for its passionate pageant community
“All eyes will be on her,” Gray said. “But Ahtisa has the experience, grace, and composure to rise to the occasion. She’s Miss Philippines and with her background in several international pageants, she’s bringing such a strong sense of confidence to the competition. I trust she’s going to step up and deliver, but I’d remind her to always protect her mental peace at all costs.”
Ahtisa Manalo, a seasoned beauty queen and Miss International 2018 first runner-up, has been gaining attention for her polished presence, eloquence, and calm demeanor–traits that many say mirror Catriona’s own journey to the crown.
Her preparation under the Miss Universe Philippines Organization has also been described as “meticulous and strategic,” with a strong focus on advocacy, public speaking, and stage presence.
As the countdown to the coronation night continues, Ahtisa is expected to showcase not only her beauty and intelligence but also the resilience and grace that Filipina queens are known for.
The Miss Universe 2025 coronation night will be held on November 21 in Bangkok, where Ahtisa aims to continue the Philippines’ strong legacy and bring home the fifth Miss Universe crown following the victories of Gloria Diaz (1969), Margie Moran (1973), Pia Wurtzbach (2015), and Catriona Gray (2018).
READ:
Filipino pride on stage: Ahtisa Manalo stuns at Miss Universe 2025
Kiko Escuadro
November 12, 2025
Ahtisa Manalo believes Thailand holds lucky charm for Philippine queens
Kiko Escuadro
October 27, 2025
Ariella Arida on Miss Universe drama: ‘You can’t please everyone.’
Kiko Escuadro
November 6, 2025
