Bangkok, Thailand — In a dazzling night at the 74th Miss Universe coronation held at the Impact Challenger Hall in Bangkok, Ahtisa Manalo brought pride to the Philippines, clinching the 3rd Runner-Up spot in a fiercely competitive global field.
The crown ultimately went to Fátima Bosch of Mexico, while Praveenar Singh of Thailand and Stephany Abasali of Venezuela were named first and second runners-up, respectively. Olivia Yacé of Côte d’Ivoire rounded out the Top 5 as fourth runner-up.
A Victory Steeped in Resilience
Manalo’s journey was more than just a quest for a crown — it was a deeply personal story of perseverance. She has competed in pageants since childhood, entering her first at just 10 years old to help finance her education.
In a powerful moment during the Q&A portion, she shared:
“I want to be the hope of the people … I come from a very poor background. … I was hardworking, I was persistent, and I fight for what I want.”
Her words resonated deeply — reflecting not only her own story but her long-standing advocacy through Alon Akademie, the youth empowerment organization she works with.
A Poised Run to the Top
Ahtisa navigated each stage of the competition with grace — advancing from the Top 30, then to the Top 12, and finally into the Top 5.
During the evening gown segment, she turned heads in a see-through crystal corset with a cape designed by Val Taguba, a bold and elegant choice that highlighted both her presence and her resilience.
National Pride & Support
Her performance drew praise not only from Filipino fans but from beauty royalty as well. Catriona Gray (Miss Universe 2018) and Pia Wurtzbach (Miss Universe 2015) both publicly expressed their pride in Manalo’s strong showing.
On social media, reactions ranged from tears of joy to calls for celebration — many hailed her as a symbol of hope and an inspiration for young Filipinas.
At the same time, some voices expressed frustration. Comedian Vice Ganda, for instance, tweeted that the Philippines was “robbed,” echoing a sentiment shared by other fans.
More Than a Pageant
For Manalo, this was never just about beauty. Her story of rising from humble beginnings — collecting empty bottles as a child to help her family — has long been part of her public narrative.
“She started pageants to lift her family out of poverty,” her interviews reveal — and now, with her Top 5 finish, she has a larger platform to continue her work.
What This Means for the Philippines
Her placement marks a strong return for the Philippines in the Miss Universe pageant. According to reports, this is the country’s best showing in recent years, last matching a Top 5 finish back in 2021.
Pageant watchers say Manalo’s success could inspire a new generation of Filipino women who see pageantry not just as a competition, but as a channel for social change.
Looking Ahead
While Manalo didn’t take home the crown, her message — rooted in hope, hard work, and giving back — clearly struck a chord. With her global visibility and advocacy platform, many believe this is just the beginning of bigger things for her.
As she returns to the Philippines, she carries more than a sash. She brings a renewed sense of mission — and a reminder that sometimes, the most meaningful victories live beyond the crown.