Full Breakdown
Ahtisa Manalo Shines as Third Runner-Up at Miss Universe 2025
11/22/2025, 2:18:37 AM
A Historic Finish for the Philippines
Ahtisa Manalo, representing the Philippines, achieved a notable third runner-up position at the Miss Universe 2025 pageant held on November 21 at the Impact Challenger Hall in Nonthaburi, Thailand. This finish marks the Philippines' best placement in the competition in three years, following Celeste Cortesi's failure to advance to the Top 16 in 2022, Michelle Dee's Top 10 finish in 2023, and Chelsea Manalo's Top 30 placement in 2024. The title of Miss Universe 2025 was awarded to Mexico’s Fátima Bosch, with Thailand’s Praveenar Singh as the first runner-up and Venezuela’s Stephany Abasali as the second runner-up.
A Journey of Resilience and Advocacy
Ahtisa Manalo, 28, hails from Candelaria, Quezon, and has openly shared her journey from a challenging upbringing to the international stage. She began participating in pageants at the age of 10 to support her education and help her family escape poverty. In her final Q&A segment, Ahtisa emphasized her commitment to empowering marginalized communities, stating, “I want to be the hope of people. I come from a very poor background... I was able to get myself out of any situation because I was hardworking, I was persistent, and I fight for what I want.”
Her advocacy work includes collaboration with Alon Akademie, an organization focused on providing opportunities for young people from low-income backgrounds. Ahtisa expressed her desire to leverage the Miss Universe platform to further this mission.
Performance Highlights
Throughout the competition, Ahtisa showcased her talents and poise, advancing through various stages: from the Top 30 to the Top 12, and finally to the Top 5. Her evening gown, designed by Val Taguba, received significant praise for its elegance and design, contributing to her strong stage presence. Ahtisa's performance in the swimsuit segment also garnered attention, highlighting her confidence and grace.
Official Statements & Responses
Following her achievement, the Miss Universe Philippines organization expressed pride in Ahtisa’s performance, stating, “We are beyond proud of you for carrying the Philippine flag gracefully.” Filipino fans took to social media to celebrate her accomplishment, with many expressing their admiration and support.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the accolades, some Filipino fans expressed disappointment with the final results, questioning the judging criteria. Comments on social media reflected confusion over the placements, with some suggesting that Ahtisa deserved a higher rank based on her performance. Notable figures, including Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, also voiced their sentiments, indicating that many felt Ahtisa's placement did not reflect her capabilities.
What's Next for Ahtisa Manalo
As Ahtisa Manalo returns to the Philippines, she aims to continue her advocacy work and inspire others through her journey. Her experience at Miss Universe 2025 serves as a testament to her resilience and dedication to uplifting those from similar backgrounds. The pageant community and her supporters look forward to her future endeavors, both in pageantry and her advocacy efforts.
