By Nimfa L. Estrellado Ma. Ahtisa Manalo is crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2025 by the outgoing queen, Chelsea Manalo, during the coronat...
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| Ma. Ahtisa Manalo is crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2025 by the outgoing queen, Chelsea Manalo, during the coronation night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Friday, May 2, 2025. (Missosology Philippines) |
LUCENA CITY, Quezon - "I fell a while ago onstage. And the thing with me is, whenever I fall in life, I always make sure I come back stronger. Last year, I was here on this stage. And for the second time this year, I'm here putting everything on the stage to be Miss Universe Philippines, because this is my and my grandmother's shared dream. And she passed away early this year. And this is my ode to her."
With words delivered with poise and deep emotion, Ma. Ahtisa Manalo of Quezon Province was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2025 at the coronation night held on Friday, May 2, 2025, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. This historic victory marks the first time the province has held the national crown, culminating Manalo's pageantry journey that transcended a personal quest, embodying resilience and the unwavering pursuit of a dream nurtured across generations.
Her triumph over 66 other aspirants marked a significant milestone, a culmination of her dedicated journey in pageantry that now ignites anticipation for her performance on the Miss Universe stage. This victory, however, wasn't a straightforward path. Despite being a seasoned pageant veteran, her entry into the Miss Universe Philippines 2025 competition was a dramatic last-minute turn, stepping in to replace the original Quezon Province delegate.
This unexpected chance found a woman whose heart had long yearned for this dream, a dedication underscored by her previous national and international accolades. These included impressive showings in Miss Universe Philippines 2024 and Miss Cosmo 2024, where she not only reached the Top 10 but also captured the coveted People's Choice Award and the title of Miss Cosmo Tourism Ambassador.
The announcement of her hard-earned victory unleashed an outpouring of joy, not only from her devoted fanbase but also from the wider pageant community, who understood the profound significance of this triumph – a moment many saw as breaking a perceived "Binibini curse." But the path to the crown wasn't without its challenges.
A truly memorable moment unfolded during the elegant evening gown competition when she slight stumble caused a ripple of concern through the arena; yet, with remarkable composure, Manalo swiftly regained her balance, and a serene smile gracing her lips. This display of grace under pressure spoke volumes of her inner fortitude, her poise and unwavering confidence in that fleeting moment resonating deeply, leaving a lasting impression on both the captivated audience and the judges.
That very stumble became a pivotal point later in the competition. Asked how a good leader leads by example, Manalo seized the opportunity to connect her personal experience with her pageant journey. Her winning response directly addressed the near fall, drawing a powerful parallel between her ability to rise stronger after a setback, her arduous journey in pageantry, and the cherished dream she shared with her late grandmother.
Manalo champions the LGBTQ community and actively collaborates with Alon Akademie, an organization dedicated to nurturing global citizenship among children. Her prior international experience further bolsters her potential to shine on the global stage. Acknowledging her undeniable overall appeal and performance, Manalo was also honored with five special awards: Miss Zonrox Colorsafe, Miss Vitress, Miss Mags, Miss Jewelmer, and Miss Hello Glow.
Back in her home province of Quezon, her crowning ignited widespread celebrations among pageant enthusiasts, where local officials and residents expressed immense pride in their representative's achievement. Across social media platforms, a wave of joy and admiration poured forth from countless fans. Terms like 'deserved,' 'long overdue,' and 'finally our queen!' filled timelines, many pointing to her resilience after the onstage slip as a powerful embodiment of her winning answer.
Teresita Ssen Marquez of Muntinlupa, a seasoned actress and Reina Hispanoamericana 2017 winner, was named first runner-up. Yllana Marie Aduan of Siniloan, who was Miss Philippines Earth 2023 and Miss Earth Air 2023, secured the position of second runner-up. Following her emotional win, Manalo expressed profound gratitude.
Chelsea Manalo, who was Miss Universe Philippines 2024 and made history by becoming the first-ever Miss Universe Asia and also received the Best in National Costume Award for her culturally rich "Hiraya" ensemble, graced the coronation night as the reigning queen, taking her final walk in a stunning lilac gown. Her presence at the event was a significant moment, reflecting on her journey since winning the national title and representing the Philippines at Miss Universe 2024 in Mexico.
In post-coronation interviews, Ahtisa Manalo expressed her initial feelings, stating, “Masaya, pero overwhelmed… parang hindi pa nag-si-sink in!” She also mentioned her immediate plans, saying she would first take a rest before figuring out her game plan for the Miss Universe competition in Thailand. She also expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support she received throughout her Miss Universe Philippines journey.
The coronation event was hosted by Gabbi Garcia and Xian Lim, featuring electrifying performances by James Reid and Marlo Mortel, and graced by the appearances of reigning Miss Universe 2024 Victoria Kjær Theilvig and Miss Universe Asia Chelsea Manalo. The Philippines carries a proud and strong history in the prestigious Miss Universe competition.
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