Michelle Dee backs Ahtisa Manalo in her Miss Universe 2025 journey

Michelle Dee expresses full support for Ahtisa Manalo as she represents the Philippines in the 74th Miss Universe competition in Thailand this November.

As the Miss Universe 2025 fever heats up, Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Marquez Dee is standing firmly behind her successor, Ahtisa Manalo, who is set to represent the Philippines on the global stage this November in Thailand.

READ: https://radar.ph/bangkok-welcomes-the-universe-once-again-heres-what-to-expect/

Dee expressed nothing but love and confidence in Manalo’s capabilities, calling her a strong and well-prepared contender for the 74th edition of the prestigious pageant.

“I love Ahtisa. I feel like she has an amazing chance,” Dee said during her OKgames event in Parañaque City. “She has some of the best trainers in the country. She will fly to Thailand with her pockets full of surprises we should look forward to.”

Having proudly carried the Philippine sash to a Top 10 finish in 2023, Dee shared that she sees the same fire and focus in Manalo’s journey.

“She’s been putting her heart and soul into her journey, like every single candidate we send abroad,” Dee noted.

The beauty queen-turned-actress also revealed her hopes to personally cheer for Manalo in Bangkok if her schedule permits.

“We are still trying to make it work so I could go,” she said. “If there’s a chance to support our candidate, I want to. And ang lapit lang ng Thailand, kaya sa lahat ng Pinoy na pwede, manood na kayo!”

Meanwhile, Manalo, during her send-off party, spoke with gratitude and determination as she vowed to give her all for the country.

“Pageantry has been my vehicle, my vessel in life to achieve dreams that I want for myself and for my family,” she said. “And I just hope that this journey of mine will be something that people can look into and inspire them to also go for their dreams.”

With her heart set on winning the country’s fifth Miss Universe crown, Manalo promised to embody grace, strength, and authenticity on the international stage.

“This send-off—this is just the beginning of our competition. Mayroon pa tayong ilalaban na fifth crown, so I really hope that you will still support me all throughout my Miss Universe journey when I get to Thailand. And ilalaban ko kayo lahat.”

“I will do my best. I will make sure that the Ahtisa on the Miss Universe stage is the best Ahtisa ever.”

As the Miss Universe 2025 coronation night approaches on Nov. 21 at the Impact Challenger Hall in Nonthaburi, Thailand, all eyes are once again on the Philippines.

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