MANILA, Philippines – There’s no question that Ahtisa Manalo showcased her growth after years of pageantry by bagging third runner-up at Miss Universe 2025.

Her finish in the prestigious global event — a must-watch for many Filipino pageant fans — was the Philippines’ highest placement in three years.

But more than just captivating fans in the evening gown portion — where she sashayed in a breathtaking white, crystal-encrusted long dress with sheer cloud-like fabric cascading throughout her body — it’s Ahtisa’s personal and inspiring answers in the Q&A segment that made a mark.

In the Top 5, the Quezon province-raised beauty queen got asked by a judge what she would contribute to humanity as a global ambassador.

Ahtisa, who was born in Candelaria, Quezon and raised by her grandmother, openly shared on the Miss Universe stage that she came from poverty.

“I want to be the hope of people. I come from a very poor background. I started pageants at 10 years old to put myself through school and to lift my family out of poverty. And if there’s anything that I want to show the universe, I am here right now,” the 28-year-old stunner said.

“I am standing as Miss Universe because I was able to get myself out of any situation because I was hardworking, I was persistent, and I fight for what I want.”

Ahtisa, who is of Filipino, Finnish, Spanish, and Swedish descent, started pageantry at a very young age to support her education, until she eventually earned an accountancy degree from the Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation.

During the pageant’s final question, Ahtisa again drew from her experience when asked: “If you win the title of Miss Universe tonight, how would you use this platform to empower young girls?”

It’s a question where candidates can easily answer with platitudes, but instead, Ahtisa opted to highlight her advocacy efforts and commitment to empower children from impoverished backgrounds, explaining that she wants to continue to work toward equal opportunities.

“I work with an organization called Alon Akademie where we work with young people to provide them opportunities to make them realize that it does not matter what your life circumstances are, it does not define where you will go,” she said.

“And I want to continue working with Alon Akademie on a platform like Miss Universe to make sure that people from low income backgrounds are given the same opportunities like everyone else.”

Although Ahtisa didn’t win the crown, she received a lot of praise from many Filipino pageant fans as Mexico’s Fatima Bosch took home the Miss Universe 2025 title.

Completing the court with Ahtisa were Thailand’s Praveenar Singh (1st runner-up), Venezuela’s Stephany Abasali (2nd runner-up), and Cote d’Ivoire’s Olivia Yacé (4th runner-up) during the coronation on Friday, November 21, at the Impact Challenger Hall in Thailand.

With Ahtisa’s finish, the Philippines achieved its best placement in three years after Celeste Cortesi fell short of advancing to the Top 16 in 2022, while Michelle Dee landed in the Top 10 in 2023, and Chelsea Manalo finished in the Top 30 in 2024.

Ahtisa introduced the country with such grace and power at the opening portion of the finale, even using “Pilipinas,” a move which strays away from the typical English name introductions of past representatives.

After she entered the semifinals, Ahtisa rocked a lavender ensemble by Bench in the swimsuit round, showing finesse and confidence as she strutted the stage — a performance which pushed her to the Top 12.

She then sashayed in the evening gown portion in an ethereal white gown made by renowned Filipino designer Val Taguba, the stunning masterpiece accentuated Ahtisa’s regal look.

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Even in the pre-pageant, Ahtisa set the bar high.

During the National Costume show of the preliminary round she received strong commendation as she showcased the colorful Philippine culture in her Festival Queen-inspired ensemble, which highlighted the country’s love for celebrations.

After the pageant, Miss Universe Philippines commended Ahtisa and also thanked the Filipino people’s support.

“We are beyond proud of you for carrying the Philippine flag gracefully,” the organization said. “And to our Kababayans, thank you for showing the Universe the true essence of a Filipino Bayanihan.”

– Rappler.com