Quezon congratulates Manalo for Miss Universe-PH victory

LUCENA CITY, Quezon – This province congratulated Maria Ahtisa Manalo, a native of Candelaria, Quezon, for being crowned Miss Universe-Philippines 2025 on Friday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Athisa Manalo (left) and Candelaria, Quezon Mayor Ogie Suayan. (FB)

Mayor George “Ogie” Suayan of Candelaria celebrated Manalo’s victory.

“Our town, Candelaria, is truly proud of you. We have witnessed your determination, skill, and humility at every step of your journey,” Suayan said.

“As your ally and partner in serving the nation under SM Leaders-Manalo when she planned to run as a municipal councilor, but she withdrew because of the pageant, we wholeheartedly support your decision to follow your dream of becoming Miss Universe,” Suayan added.

“Every setback and trial you faced has made you stronger and brighter. Despite the challenges, you have proven that true beauty comes from courage, determination, and a heart for others.”

Suayan hoped that Manalo continues to elevate the country at the Miss Universe 2025 pageant in Thailand late this year.

Manalo’s former manager and Miss Universe 2024 franchisee Emma Suayan also congratulated her.

“Congratulations! Candelaria is proud of you,” Emma said.

Manalo’s alma mater – Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation – also congratulated her.

“Our very own Ahtisa Manalo, the newly crowned Miss Universe. Yahoo. MSEUF Candelaria, so proud of you. And who could be prouder than your former Dean? Congratulations. You deserve that crown,” Dr. Amelita Balagtas, her dean at MSEUF, said.

“Heartfelt congratulations to Maria Ahtisa Manalo on being crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2025. As a proud alumna of Enverga University, we are overjoyed by her outstanding achievement. Her success is a testament to her dedication and grace, and we are truly honored to celebrate this momentous occasion with her. The entire Enverga community stands proud and inspired by her journey.”

The provincial government greeted Manalo.

“Mabuhay at isang mainit na pagbati kay Ahtisa Manalo!” it said in a Facebook post.

(Warm greeting to Ahtisa Manalo)

“Mula sa lalawigan ng Quezon, si Ahtisa ang napiling bagong Miss Universe Philippines 2025 matapos magtagumpay laban sa 65 kandidata sa ginanap na grand finals sa Mall of Asia Arena nitong Mayo 2.

(From the province of Quezon, Ahtisa Manalo was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2025. She bested 25 other candidates in the grand finals at the Mall of Asia Arena on May 2)

“Ngayon, siya ang magdadala ng bandera ng Pilipinas sa ika-74 na Miss Universe pageant sa Thailand sa darating na Nobyembre.

(Now she will represent the Philippines in the 74^th Miss Universe pageant in Thailand in November)

“Isang karangalan para sa bayan at Lalawigan ng Quezon. Congrats, Ahtisa! Kami’y buong pusong sumusuporta!”

(An honor for the province and the country. Congrats, Ahtisa! We wholeheartedly support you!)