Pageant Pride: The Gowns and the Glory

Pageant fans who eagerly await the gowns and national costumes are already anticipating a spectacular, fashion-forward showcase on the Bangkok stage as Ahtisa reveals her designers.

Designer Mak Tumang, the creative mind behind Catriona Grey’s iconic 2018 lava gown, will create her national costume.

"It’s a national costume that hasn’t been seen in a while on the Miss Universe stage," she delightfully shares.

Notably, Mak Tumang designed the “Dyesebel” inspired national costume for Ahtisa during Miss Cosmo.

"It’s a good representation of Filipino culture and also my own personality." she added.

Val Taguba will again showcase his craftsmanship for the evening gown, adorning Ahtisa’s Miss Universe 2025 gown with dazzling gems. "My team has already seen the gowns," she said.

Val Taguba also created the stunning pink gown that contributed to her winning moment. She adds, "All I can say is they’re very happy."

Filipino creative minds have been making their mark across the universe, excelling in fashion through crafting gowns and costumes for other countries, bringing immense pride to the Philippines.

Prepared with Purpose, Representing with Heart

Manalo, who hails from Quezon Province, has undergone intensive training with her team to prepare for her pasarela walk. Behind her training are the expert hands of Ian Mendajar and Miss Universe Philippines CEO Jonas Gaffud.

She also prioritized her nutrition, ensuring every nutrient she consumes while maintaining a full workout routine. "I can’t deprive myself and make myself unhappy just to force certain kinds of food. I’m mindful, but I make sure I’m fueling myself well."

Beyond beauty and appearance, Ahtisa continues to highlight her advocacy with Alon Akademie for youth empowerment and women’s education. 

"If I can help guide the future of our country, that’s what truly matters to me." Ahtisa emphasised.

Photo courtesy: Ahtisa Manalo (Facebook)

When the Nation Cheers as One

Ahtisa’s calm yet commanding presence first shone on the global stage when she placed as Miss International 2018 first runner-up.

After that pageant, a long silence was broken when she joined Miss Universe Philippines 2024 and later won Miss Cosmo.

Fans proudly followed her Miss Cosmo journey, where she brought honor to the Philippines by finishing in the Top 10 of the inaugural competition.

Following that success, fans were thrilled to learn that Ahtisa would compete again, this time for Miss Universe 2025.

She explained that she thought about it when she heard that Quezon Province had no candidate: “…Then they announced that it’s in Thailand, sabi ko ‘ay parang gusto yata ako ng mga taga-Thailand.’”

Her much-anticipated return to the national pageant scene reignited the pride and excitement of Filipino fans.

Ahtisa’s remarkable performance on stage, where she stumbled during the evening gown segment of Miss Universe Philippines 2025, became the moment that defined her winning answer as she turned that fall into a symbol of strength and resilience.

"I fell a while ago on stage, and the thing with me is, whenever I fall in life, I always make sure I come back stronger," Ahtisa began, drawing warm applause from the captivated crowd.

This victory is a shared dream between Ahtisa and her late grandmother, who stood by her throughout her journey.

"Last year, I was here on this stage, and for the second time this year, I'm here putting everything on this stage to be Miss Universe Philippines because this is mine and my grandmother's shared dream, and she passed away early this year. This is my ode to her," she ended.

Photo courtesy: Ahtisa Manalo (Facebook)