IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Get to know Miss Universe Philippines 2025 Ahtisa Manalo
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Miss Universe Philippines 2025 Ahtisa Manalo. Image: Instagram/@themissuniverseph
True to her statement during the Miss Universe Philippines 2025 question and answer portion, Ahtisa Manalo has indeed always come back stronger after a fall.
The pride of Quezon Province triumphed in securing the Miss Universe Philippines title in her third attempt, besting 65 other candidates who included fellow pageant veterans.
As she is now en route to conquer the international stage at the Miss Universe 2025 pageant set this coming November, here are some interesting facts about the newest MUPH queen to get to know her more.
Born and raised in Candelaria, Quezon
Manalo was born in May 1997 in Candelaria Quezon. Her mother is of Filipino-Spanish descent, while her estranged biological father is Finnish-Swedish.
When asked about her father, Manalo admitted that they “do not have a relationship,” which affected her growing up. Despite this, the beauty queen has learned how to “work on how [she feels]” regarding her dad, underscoring that she is much better now.
Aside from her mom, Manalo grew up with her grandmother to whom she dedicated her MUPH pageant journey.
Started pageantry when she was in fourth grade
Growing up, Manalo said her family was not privileged enough so that her schooling had to be supported by her grandmother and godfather.
Being aware of the situation, Manalo joined a pageant when she was in fourth grade, citing the “free tuition grand prize” as what motivated her to participate.
“Pageantry became my life’s vessel, fueled by the love and the support of those around me,” she said.
Several years later, Manalo would become her province’s representative in the Aliwan Fiesta’s Festival Queen competition in 2017. The following year marked Manalo’s venture to the national pageant scene as she joined Binibining Pilipinas.
Manalo, despite being a 20-year-old, won the Binibining Pilipinas-International title and competed in the Miss International 2018 where finished as first runner-up.
She competed again in the 2024 edition of MUPH and won The Miss Philippines-Cosmo title. Manalo then represented the country in the first-ever Miss Cosmo pageant and finished in the Top 10.
READ: Ahtisa Manalo slips then owns stage, now one step closer to the crown
Graduated with a degree in accountancy
Manalo is an alumna of Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation in Quezon where she earned her accountancy degree.
The beauty queen said she pursued the program because she had always known that she was “meant for business,” as per an interview with Philippine Entertainment Portal. She further noted that even in high school, she was already managing the stocks of her cousins.
Almost pursued becoming a police officer
Manalo revealed in 2018 that prior to joining Binibining Pilipinas, she was supposed to pursue becoming a police officer and had already submitted her application to the Philippine National Police Academy.
“My uncles, also my grandfather, are part of the police force. I wanted to make a difference, I wanted to explore everything that I can because I know I want to do a lot and that’s one of it,” she said
She also said at the time that she was not closing her doors to such a profession as she “wants to do a lot of things.”
“I want to be a police officer, I want to have my own business, I want to go back to school again, I want to be a veterinarian. I don’t know what I’m going to do in the future,” she said.
Owns several food businesses
Manalo indeed became a business owner and has been juggling pageantry with her several businesses that include a yogurt drink brand. In 2019, she also disclosed having two cafes in Australia.
“I think I just really wanted to earn my own money. Parang I don’t want to depend on my mom and the best thing to do is to help my mom and anyone in my family. The best way I can do that is to have a business,” she said of venturing into business at a young age.
READ: Ahtisa Manalo earns cheers as new Miss Universe Philippines titleholder
An LGBTQIA+ advocate
Manalo has been supportive of the LGBTQIA+ community and has been using her voice in championing gender equality.
“I have family members who are gay, and I have a lot of friends who are gay also, my mentors, my friends, my supporters. I’m surrounded by gay people and the LGBT community,” she said.
Filed then withdrew candidacy for Candelaria, Quezon municipal councilor
Manalo also tried her hand at politics as she filed for candidacy for Candelaria municipal councilor, but later withdrew it to focus on her pageant journey.
“I am making this choice because I believe this new opportunity allows me to serve and represent once again our beloved province in a different but meaningful way,” she said, referring to her MUPH 2025 stint. “While it means stepping away from my candidacy, I promise to carry the pride of Candelaria with me as I take on this new journey again.”
