Ahtisa Manalo. Image: Belg Belgica via Instagram/@pattyyap
Ahtisa Manalo has finally addressed her controversial Top 10 finish in the Miss Cosmo 2024 pageant, as she reminded her fans to “keep the spirit of women empowerment” and celebrate the win of the newly-crowned winner Ketut Permata Juliastrid.
The pageant veteran ended her Miss Cosmo 2024 journey in the Top 10 after donning a nude, galaxy-inspired dress by Mak Tumang during the evening gown competition. She also captivated fans with her fiery red swimwear in the swimsuit portion.
Manalo took to her Instagram Broadcast Channel on Sunday, October 6 to console her supporters while reminding them to “focus on positive things” even though things “won’t always go our way.”
“Hi loves! Let’s remember that everything won’t always go our way. But what defines us is how we react and act. Let’s focus on the positive things! Spread love only,” she wrote.
Image: Screengrab from Instagram/@ahtisa
The Quezon-based stunner also advised her fans to congratulate the Indonesian beauty queen, while referring to the reigning Miss Cosmo titleholder using her nickname.
“Let’s keep the spirit of women empowerment and celebrate Tata for her win,” she said.
Manalo also shared a video of herself in her Mak Tumang evening gown in an Instagram post.
Despite her Top 10 finish, Manalo brought home the Cosmo Tea Culture Tourism Ambassador and the Cosmo People’s Choice awards in the Vietnam-based tilt. She also gained support from fans after continuing with the pageant even though she sustained an ankle injury.
A pageant veteran, the beauty queen was announced as second runner-up in the Miss Universe Philippines 2024 tilt before she was given the Miss Cosmo Philippines 2024 title.
Manalo also represented the Philippines in the Miss International 2018 pageant where she was named first runner-up.