Ahtisa Manalo of Quezon Province was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2025 during the finals held at the Mall of Asia Arena on May 2. She triumphed over 65 candidates, earning the right to represent the Philippines at the 74th Miss Universe pageant in Thailand this November.
This win marks a full-circle moment for Manalo, a veteran in the pageant scene. She succeeds Chelsea Manalo—no relation—who made history last year as the first Miss Universe Asia during the 2024 pageant in Mexico.
A Familiar Face on the International Stage
Manalo first rose to prominence in 2018 as part of the Binibining Pilipinas batch led by Catriona Gray. That year, she competed in Miss International and placed first runner-up. In 2024, she finished as second runner-up in Miss Universe Philippines and went on to represent the country in the inaugural Miss Cosmo pageant, landing in the Top 10.
Her experience and stage presence made her a frontrunner this year, and she finally secured the title many pageant fans believed she was destined for.
A Strong Showing at MUPH 2025
The competition was fierce, with a diverse mix of experienced candidates and fresh faces. Winwyn Marquez of Muntinlupa finished as first runner-up, while Yllana Aduana of Siniloan, Laguna took second runner-up.
Special titles were awarded to Chelsea Fernandez of Sultan Kudarat (Miss Cosmo Philippines), Katrina Llegado of Taguig (Miss Supranational Philippines), and Gabriella Carballo of Cebu City (Miss Eco International Philippines).
Other candidates who made it to the Top 12 included delegates from Quirino, Pasay, Baguio, Bohol, Iligan City, and Laguna.
