Last year, she came heartbreakingly close. This year, Ahtisa Manalo came back with more fire, more grace, and left with the Miss Universe Philippines 2025 crown.
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Representing Quezon Province, the newly-crowned queen returned to the Miss Universe Philippines stage after placing as 2nd runner-up in 2024. She was already a fan-favorite then, but in 2025, she turned that support into a full force.
On the swimsuit segment, Manalo stepped out with an ease. No theatrics, no overperformed gestures; just natural confidence, an unbothered stride, and a presence that spoke volumes without raising its voice.
Then, the moment where it happens: at the evening gown segment, Manalo stunned in a pink ruffled gown by Val Taguba—until a brief stumble nearly shattered the moment. But instead of panicking, she rose. With visible poise, she composed herself and kept going, as if nothing had happened. Somehow, in that fall, her win became inevitable.
In her final Q&A, Manalo was asked to share a moment when she led by example, and she answered from the heart:
“I fell a while ago. And whenever I fall in life, I always make sure I come back stronger. Last year, I was also here, and for the second time, I’m putting everything on this stage to be Miss Universe Philippines, because this is mine and my grandmother’s shared dream. She passed away early this year, and this is my ode to her.”
– Ahtisa Manalo
It was an answer that didn’t aim to impress, but to resonate; striking not for its polish, but for its unfiltered resolve. The room roared in instant recognition.
From the start of the competition to its emotional close, Ahtisa Manalo never lost her spark—or the belief of the people behind her. When her name was finally announced, it felt like destiny catching up.
She fell. She rose. And tonight, just like the movies, she became Miss Universe Philippines 2025.
Photographed by GRANT BABIA
