Maria Ahtisa Manalo of Quezon Province captured the Miss Universe Philippines 2025 crown on May 2 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. Her coronation wasn’t just the culmination of a single night—it marked the breakthrough of a determined contender who refused to give up. After two previous tries, Manalo’s persistence paid off, solidifying her status as one of the country’s most resilient and inspiring beauty queens.
The Road to the Crown
Ahtisa’s journey in the world of pageantry began several years ago when she first made headlines as Binibining Pilipinas International 2018. She proudly represented the country at Miss International later that year and finished as first runner-up—a remarkable feat that hinted at even greater achievements to come.
Her first attempt at the Miss Universe Philippines title came in 2024, where she earned the second runner-up spot. Although she didn’t take home the crown, her performance secured her the role of Miss Cosmo Philippines, which allowed her to compete internationally and land a spot in the Top 10. Far from discouraged, she returned in 2025, more refined, more focused, and more determined than ever to bring the crown home to Quezon.
A Night to Remember
Pageant night was nothing short of electric. Ahtisa stepped onto the stage with the calm confidence of a seasoned contender. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing—during the evening gown segment, she experienced a brief stumble. Instead of letting it shake her, she turned the moment around with elegance, flashing a composed smile and continuing with renewed poise.
This small misstep became a defining moment. It reminded viewers of past beauty queens who rose even higher after faltering, proving that strength lies not in perfection but in how one recovers. The audience cheered louder, the judges took notice, and Ahtisa emerged stronger in spirit.
During the Top 6 question and answer round, she was asked how one can lead by example. Drawing from her earlier slip, Ahtisa spoke candidly about embracing imperfection and choosing grace in the face of challenges. She credited her late grandmother as her source of wisdom and strength—a deeply personal touch that resonated powerfully with both the judges and the audience.
The final decision felt inevitable. As the reigning Miss Universe Philippines, Chelsea Manalo of Bulacan, passed the crown, the crowd erupted. Ahtisa’s smile said it all: this was her moment, and she had earned every second of it.
More Than a Beauty Queen
While her beauty and stage presence are undeniable, Ahtisa is more than just a pageant winner. Off-stage, she champions causes close to her heart. A passionate advocate for gender equality and a vocal ally of the LGBTQIA+ community, she lends her voice to meaningful social conversations. Her involvement with Alon Akademie, a program focused on cultivating leadership and global thinking in children, underscores her commitment to empowering the next generation.
Beyond advocacy, Ahtisa has also made her mark in business. She co-owns and operates two cafés in Australia—Cafe Noun and Call Me Harris—and is involved in several food brands such as Koomi, Oh My Greek, and Zig Foods. Her ability to juggle entrepreneurship with pageantry speaks volumes about her discipline and vision.
Eyes on the Universe
With the national crown now hers, Ahtisa turns her attention to an even bigger stage: Miss Universe 2025, to be held in Thailand on November 21. Representing the Philippines—a country with a rich and passionate pageant tradition—is both a privilege and a challenge, but one she’s clearly ready to take on.
As she begins preparations for the international competition, the pressure mounts, but so does the support from fans and fellow Filipinos who believe in her journey. She now stands not only as a symbol of beauty but also as a beacon of perseverance, proving that failure is not the end—it’s often the beginning of something extraordinary.
Ahtisa Manalo’s story is a reminder that true queens don’t always win on their first try. Sometimes, the crown is meant for those who rise, fall, and rise again—stronger, wiser, and more radiant than ever.