Ahtisa Manalo wins 8 awards at Miss Universe Philippines 2024 prelims
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Ahtisa Manalo. Image: Instagram/@theorenriquez via @ahtisa
Pageant veteran Ahtisa Manalo was the big winner during the 2024 Miss Universe Philippines preliminary gala night held at the Manila Hotel on May 19, taking home eight special awards from the contest’s sponsors this year.
The representative from Quezon Province was proclaimed as Miss Smilee, Miss Fairy Skin, Miss Great Lengths iColor Plus, Miss Hello Glow, Miss Danielito’s Home Kitchen, Miss Queen of Hearts Sleepwear, Miss Aqua Boracay, and was one of the three Miss Zonrox Color Safe.
Many observers see the Miss Aqua Boracay title as a favorable sign because its two previous recipients, Celeste Cortesi and Michelle Marquez Dee, were eventually crowned as Miss Universe Philippines in 2022 and 2023, respectively.
But it may also be recalled that in last year’s pageant, Pauline Amelinckx took home the lion’s share of special awards during the preliminary competition show. She was later edged out of the top prize by Dee, and got the Miss Supranational Philippines title instead.
Manalo, first runner-up in the 2018 Miss International pageant, shared the Miss Zonrox Color Safe title with Victoria Velasquez Vincent of Bacoor City and Alexie Mae Brooks from Iloilo City, who also took home multiple special awards.
Vincent, who was Miss Universe Philippines-Charity in 2021, was also Miss Kemans and Miss Hello Glow Body, while Brooks was Miss Buscopan Venus, Face of Avon, and earned P300,000 as Miss Jell Life.
Another seasoned candidate, 2015 Miss Intercontinental first runner-up Christi Lynn McGarry from Taguig City, was Miss So-En, Miss Jewelmer and Miss Wuling, while her Bb. Pilipinas predecessor, 2014 Miss Intercontinental second-up Kris Tiffany Janson from Cebu, was proclaimed as Icon Doll by The Icon Clinic.
National pageant rookie and another fan favorite Tarah Valencia from Baguio City was Miss Mags and Miss Villa Medica. Chelsea Manalo from Bulacan was Miss Jojo Bragais, while professional musician Dia Maté from Cavite was Miss Cream Silk.
The special awards were given after the conclusion of the main preliminary competition show held at the Fiesta Pavilion, where the delegates competed in purple and lilac swimsuits with matching sheer wraps for the swimwear segment, and showcased their individual style in evening gowns of their choice during the gown segment. Dee shared hosting chores with actor Marco Gumabao in the main program.
The preliminary swimsuit and evening gown competitions, as well as the preliminary interview sessions held the morning of the same day, will help determine who will advance to the next round. The top performers and the video challenge winners will constitute the semifinalists who will be announced at the 2024 Miss Universe Philippines coronation at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on May 22.
Emmy award-winner Jeannie Mai, 2022 Miss Universe R’Bonney Gabriel, actors Alden Richards and Gabbi Garcia, and Tim Yap will host the finale, with Thai superstar Win Metawin, “RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs the World” season 2 finalist Marina Summers, and Filipino pop band Lola Amour slated to perform.
The winner will represent the Philippines in the 73rd Miss Universe pageant in Mexico later this year. Four more titles will be awarded, under the national pageant’s sister brand The Miss Philippines—Miss Supranational Philippines, Miss Charm Philippines, Miss Eco International Philippines and Miss Cosmo Philippines.
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