MUPH 2025: Ahtisa Manalo slips then owns stage, now one step closer to the crown
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Ahtisa Manalo suffers a fall during the MUPH 2025 coronation. Image: Screengrab from YouTube/Empire Philippines
Despite suffering a fall, Ma. Ahtisa Manalo of Quezon Province defied odds as she secured one of the spots in the Top 6 of the competition during the coronation night at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena on Friday, May 2.
After gliding down the runway with grace and confidence during the swimsuit segment, the delegates exuded sophistication in their evening gowns while Marlo Montel performed “Bed Weather.”
While starting her walk, the folds of Manalo’s pink bustier gown got caught in her shoe, causing her to trip and fall on her knees.
The beauty queen however managed to gain her composure and stood up with poise and proceeded with her performance. As if she did not just had a fall in front of the crowd, Manalo confidently showed her signature pasarela and smiled to the camera, much to the excitement of the crowd.
Manalo addressed her fall during the question and answer portion. She was asked by host Xian Lim: “They say that a good leader leads by example. Tell us about one event in your life when you led by example and the impact it made.”
She replied: “I fell a while ago on stage. And the thing with me is, whenever I fall in life, I always make sure I come back stronger. Last year, I was here on this stage. And for the second time this year, I’m here putting everything on the stage to be Miss Universe Philippines, because this is mine and my grandmother’s shared dream. And she passed away early this year. And this is my ode to her.”
The tension reached its peak as the competition is now down to pageant veterans Chelsea Fernandez of Sultan Kudarat, Yllana Marie Aduana of Siniloan, Laguna, Winwyn Marquez of Muntilupa, Ma. Katrina Llegado of Taguig, Gabriella Mai Carballo of Cebu City, and Manalo of Quezon Province.
The remaining six ladies are set to test their wit in the question and answer portion which is the next part of the competition before Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Manalo relinquishes the crown to her successor at the end of the coronation night.
