Quezon Province’s pride, Ma. Ahtisa Manalo, emerged victorious as Miss Universe Philippines 2025 during the highly anticipated coronation night held on May 2 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
She triumphed over 65 other candidates to claim the coveted La Mer en Majeste crown, succeeding Chelsea Manalo of Bulacan, who also graced the stage as the reigning Miss Universe Asia.
Ahtisa, 26, now takes on the honor of representing the Philippines in the 74th Miss Universe pageant, set to be held in Thailand on November 21, where she hopes to bring home the country’s fifth Miss Universe title, following the footsteps of Gloria Diaz (1969), Margie Moran (1973), Pia Wurtzbach (2015), and Catriona Gray (2018).
Manalo’s road to the crown was marked not only by her pageant experience but also by her resilience. During the evening gown competition, she slipped and fell onstage — a moment that could shake even the strongest candidates. But she quickly rose with grace, smiled, and finished her walk to roaring applause, earning admiration across social media for her poise under pressure.
DAMN! That was a hard fall! But the come back was made a BANG! Lovely gown and elegant walk, Ahtisa!#MissUniversePhilippines2025 https://t.co/nEECDOgNFT
— Auhntisa Manalo (@ricci_richy) May 2, 2025
This is not Manalo’s first foray into national and international competitions. She was crowned Binibining Pilipinas-International 2018 and went on to place first runner-up at Miss International in Japan. She also previously competed in Miss Universe Philippines 2024, finishing as second runner-up, before representing the country at the inaugural Miss Cosmo pageant in Vietnam where she landed in the Top 10.
Joining Manalo in the Top 6 were: Chelsea Fernandez (Sultan Kudarat), Yllana Marie Aduana (Siniloan, Laguna). Winwyn Marquez (Muntinlupa), Katrina Llegado (Taguig), Gabriella Carballo (Cebu City)
All six contestants brought strong credentials and fan support, making this year’s competition one of the most intense editions to date.
The coronation night was graced by Miss Universe 2023 Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark, along with her fellow continental titleholders. With Ahtisa now wearing the Philippine sash, expectations are high that she will continue the country’s strong showing on the global pageant stage.
