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Ahtisa Manalo has long carried herself with a grace that connected as much as it inspired. As she closed her chapter as Miss Universe Philippines, she stepped onto the stage one last time with deep gratitude for the people who stood beside her through every high and every demand that came with the crown.
For her final walk at Miss Universe Philippines 2026, Manalo wore a shimmering pink gown designed by Val Taguba and styled by Patty Yap—two creatives who were as much a part of her story as they were friends.
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The Doll of the Philippines
The direction was clear from the start. Yap shared with MEGA that she wanted to embrace the ‘Pambansang Manika’ identity the public had given Manalo. “I really wanted her to look like a true Barbie on stage, embodying elegance and opulence,” the fashion stylist said.
The choice of pink was intentional, as it was the same color Manalo wore when she was first crowned. It was meant to be a full-circle moment: the beauty queen wearing the same designer in the same hue, from the start of her reign until the very end.
Taguba approached Manalo’s parting attire with a singular focus. “Opulence was the keyword in conceptualizing Ahtisa’s farewell walk gown,” he stated. The gown’s structure—an hourglass silhouette paired with a sweeping train—was crafted to leave an impression that extended far beyond the stage. To round out the look, it was accented with 23.88-carat diamonds from Janis Fine Jewelry.
Behind the polished result was a process that demanded trust. Yap described the journey as intense, marked by both pressure and growth. “The journey wasn’t easy,” she admitted. “Ahtisa has such a strong fan base, and with every look, there were always opinions and expectations.”
Still, what anchored their long-time relationship was mutual respect. The stylist appreciated Manalo for her openness: “She also guided me along the way, and we both learned so much from each other. It was really about teamwork.”
As for Taguba, he confessed that it all felt bittersweet. “(I’m) sad that she has to walk her farewell and yet happy that she has one of the most memorable reigns in Philippine pageantry,” he noted. Yap agreed, stating they almost cried backstage but had to remain composed because Manalo needed to look her best that night.
“I told her that this would also be my last journey in the pageant world. I won’t be styling other beauty queens anymore—only her,” the stylist concluded. It was a testament that spoke volumes of how deeply Manalo’s story touched the hearts of many, especially those who saw it all unfold.
Once, Ahtisa Manalo was just a girl with a dream. Through the support of creative forces like Patty Yap and Val Taguba, she persevered, rising again and again even after falling. For a spectacular moment, she was rewarded with a crown and became a symbol of Filipino resilience. Her dedication to setting an example for the betterment of her country made her all the more beloved.
And now, her reign ends.
Yet even the hardest goodbye cannot erase the lasting impact of a queen who ruled with all her heart.
Photos: PATTY YAP
Photographed by GENIO FRONDOZA and GRANT BABIA
