Ramp. Glam. Fit. Articulate. Repeat— from local stage to universal podium, her journey was nothing short of arduous yet fulfilling. Her rags-to-riches story is not your typical fairytale. Because her knight and shining armour is not a prince, but rather the first step she took in paving her way to the world of pageantry.
Born May 25, 1997, in Candelaria, Quezon; Ma. Ahtisa Manalo is of Filipino-Spanish and Finnish-Swedish descent, raised by her grandmother. Estranged from her biological father, her godfather assumed the paternal responsibility and supported them financially. With a grateful heart and determination to give back, she began joining beauty pageants at 10 to help fund her education.
And just like other kids, she, too, had her dream- to be of greater service as a police officer. But later on, her passion for promoting peace and order found its way to the management of bigger things in life involving numbers. That’s when she pursued her studies in accountancy at Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation.
With her experience under her belt, she won multiple titles, including Miss Universe Philippines 2025, and also held the Binibining Pilipinas International 2018 title, representing the Philippines as first runner-up in Miss International 2018. Appointed as Miss Cosmo Philippines 2024, she finished in the Top 10 after sustaining an injury during the final rehearsals. And in the same year, she represented Quezon in Miss Universe Philippines 2024 (second runner-up). and Miss Universe Philippines 2025 (winner).
Whenever I fall in life, I always make sure I come back stronger.
Her redefining moment, where she embodied resilience (recovered quickly after an on-stage mishap), made her loved more by the Filipinos as the epitome of strength and tenacity. Known in media as “pambansang manika” for doll-like features and pageant charisma, Manalo gained widespread attention, making her one of the most sought-after candidates in local and national competitions. She’s also a prominent advocate for education, youth leadership, gender equality, and LGBTQIA+ rights.
And her personal career goes beyond the height of high heels. She’s an active entrepreneur with 100 business branches across the country, while managing cafés in Australia, and she helps expand food brands locally and abroad. Values kindness, self-worth, and personal growth; emphasizes fulfillment in single status— this queen doesn't need a king!
As her side quest, Ahtisa also hosted the Mister International 2025 pageant in Thailand, months before she returned as a delegate of Miss Universe from the Philippines. Throughout the entire journey, she manifested, performed, and represented our country with brimming beauty, confidence, and purpose. As she concluded her race, placing as 3rd runner up, we look back with a profound sense of gratitude and fulfillment as the once 10-year-old girl blossomed into the woman of courage she is today.
And as we do so, may we remember that sometimes it’s not the title that we compete for, but for the heart that dared not to race while burning with passion in pursuit of our dream. Ahtisa’s story tells us that we can, if we will, and if we choose to, just like how she redirected her life from the adversities she surmounted.
“I want to be the hope of people. I come from a very poor background. I started pageants at 10 years old to put myself through school and to lift my family out of poverty. And if there's anything that I want to show the universe, I'm here right now. I'm standing as Miss Universe because I was able to get myself out of any situation because I was hardworking, I was persistent, and I fight for what I want.” — Ahtisa Manalo, Miss Universe 2025 3rd Runner Up
Written by Kycer Agnes, Insight PH
Kycer Agnes, Insight PH is a dedicated campus journalist and contributor. Their insightful writing sparks meaningful conversations and keeps the community informed.
