Freshly crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2025, Ahtisa Manalo from Quezon Province, is wasting no time plotting her course to the upcoming 74th Miss Universe pageant in Thailand this November. It seems the dedication required for the crown extends well beyond coronation night.
Manalo revealed that she has barely slept since her victory, embodying the spirit of "tiis-ganda" (sacrificing comfort for beauty). Insiders shared that just hours after being named the winner, around 3 am, she was already back in front of the camera for her official victory photoshoot. "I didn’t want to miss the chance to show everyone my new crown, our new sash," she explained, highlighting her eagerness to begin her duties immediately.
When she appeared at her victory press conference on Tuesday, May 6, four days after the coronation, her voice was noticeably raspy. "So I lost my voice," she told reporters, adding that she is actively trying to rest and recover from the physical demands of the past three months. Despite the fatigue, she maintained a positive outlook, stating, "But this is my dream and I’m living it. So bahala na (never mind) the sickness," with a lighthearted chuckle.
She elaborated that she lost her voice shortly after leaving the after-party, right before her early morning commitments began. The intense schedule had taken a toll, especially as she disclosed she had been unwell for three days leading up to the finals. Sleep also proved elusive post-coronation, as she was already focused on strategizing for the international competition in Thailand.
Known for her striking "doll-like features," Manalo emphasized that securing this crown was a goal she had been working towards for 17 years, ever since she entered her first beauty pageant at the age of 10. Her victory, achieved on her third attempt at the national title, carries a significant message for her.
She hopes her journey inspires others, stating, "I think that’s really a big thing. I need to show everyone, don’t give up. Just persevere and work hard, and you will get [your dream]."
Looking ahead to her reign, Manalo has committed to supporting the advocacies championed by the Miss Universe Philippines Organization. She plans to lend her support to partner groups such as Project Pearls, Save the Children, and LoveYourself.
Her ultimate goal remains clear: competing in Thailand this November and vying to bring home the Philippines' fifth Miss Universe crown. The country currently holds the fourth spot globally with four past winners: Gloria Diaz (1969), Margie Moran (1973), Pia Wurtzbach (2015), and Catriona Gray (2018).
Manalo is no stranger to the international pageant stage, having previously represented the Philippines at Miss International 2018 in Japan, where she finished as first runner-up, and at the inaugural Miss Cosmo pageant in Vietnam last year, where she placed in the Top 10.
Entertainment, Lifestyle, Everything
No comments
Post a Comment