Ahtisa Manalo leads in Miss Cosmo 2024 ‘Big Bang’ poll

Ahtisa Manalo is currently leading in the final round of the ‘Cosmo People’s Choice’ poll./MISS COSMO FACEBOOK PHOTO

Ahtisa Manalo regained the lead in the ongoing final stage of the 2024 Miss Cosmo pageant’s “Cosmo People’s Choice” poll dubbed “Big Bang.”

The entrepreneur from Quezon Province topped the first stage of voting, then dropped to third place in the succeeding round. The “Cosmo People’s Choice” winner will earn a guaranteed spot in the Top 10 in the final competition.

The pageant shared the poll update on social media on Tuesday, Oct. 1, but did not disclose how many votes Manalo has amassed. She was followed by Tanzania’s Lujeyn Ahmed, who topped the second round of voting dubbed “National Pride.”

Trailing behind the two was Thailand’s Mook Karnruethai Tassabut, who came in second in the previous round. Colombia’s Maria Alejandra Salazar came in fourth, with Vietnam’s Bui Cuanh Hanh in fifth place.

For topping the first stage of voting, Manalo earned a “Hope Star” that gives her a “x2 votes” advantage in the third and final round. Both Ahmed and Tassabut also enjoy the same perk.

Another online poll is ongoing, the race for the “Cosmo Social Ambassador” award, with the winner automatically earning a Top 21 slot in the final competition.

The Miss Philippines-Cosmo Ahtisa Manalo enjoys ‘x2 votes’ in the final round of voting for ‘Cosmo People’s Choice.’/MISS COSMO FACEBOOK PHOTO

Manalo has missed several pageant activities because of a sprained ankle. But she has assured her fans that she is “well and safe.”

Jury session

The Miss Cosmo pageant confirmed that there was a “technical incident” on the main stage at the Phu Tho Stadium in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, where the Oct. 2 Preliminary Night and Oct. 5 finale show are set to take place. Because of the incident, the organizers have also made changes to the competition schedule.

“The Miss Cosmo 2024 Preliminary Night has been replaced with a Jury Session, which will take place on October 3, 2024, at White Palace Võ Văn Kiệt, No. 59 Võ Văn Kiệt Street, An Lạc Ward, Bình Tân District, Ho Chi Minh City,” the Miss Cosmo pageant said on social media.

“In our continued commitment to maintain the highest standards of production quality, ensure the safety and well-being of all contestants, and deliver an exceptional experience for our audience, we have made necessary adjustments to the Miss Cosmo 2024 schedule,” the pageant continued.

This is the first edition of the Vietnam-based international competition. Aside from Manalo, another delegate has Filipino connections—actress and former “Pinoy Big Brother” housemate Franki Russell who is representing her father’s home country of New Zealand.