The roar of the crowd at the SM Mall of Asia Arena still echoed with the electric energy of the Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) 2025 coronation night. But amidst the glittering gowns and dazzling smiles, one moment stood out, a testament to the resilience and grace of the woman who would ultimately wear the coveted crown: Maria Ahtisa Manalo.
Just moments before her destiny was sealed, during the crucial evening gown competition, a collective gasp rippled through the audience. The statuesque beauty representing Quezon Province, resplendent in a breathtaking pink creation by Val Taguba, stumbled. For a fleeting second, the air hung heavy with uncertainty. Would this misstep derail her journey, a journey that had seen her as a formidable frontrunner from the very beginning?
But Ahtisa, with the poise of a seasoned queen, proved that true strength lies not in perfection, but in the ability to rise after a fall. In the flurry of post-coronation interviews, the newly crowned Miss Universe Philippines addressed the incident with remarkable composure. Asked if she had sustained any injuries, her initial response was tinged with the lingering effects of adrenaline. “I don’t believe so. Not right now,” she stated, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. When pressed further, she quipped with endearing humor, “I don’t know. I think adrenaline is still in me. I’m not sure if I’m okay, but laban lang (just fight). Funny!”
For Ahtisa, the fall was a momentary blip in her unwavering focus. “I got caught in my dress and then after I fell down, all I wanted was to get back up,” she revealed, her determination palpable. The possibility of the stumble impacting the judges’ decision never seemed to cross her mind. Her sole focus was to overcome the immediate hurdle and continue her pursuit of the crown.
And overcome she did, navigating the competition with an undeniable presence that culminated in a powerful performance during the highly anticipated Question and Answer round. It was here that Ahtisa, with remarkable candor, even referenced her on-stage stumble, transforming a moment of vulnerability into a powerful testament to her character.
Maria Ahtisa Manalo, this year’s Miss Universe Philippines, suffers a slip during the evening gown competition
Ahtisa’s resilient answer seals Miss Universe PH crown
“They say that a good leader leads by example,” the question began. “Describe a time in your life when you set an example and the effects it had.”
The 27-year-old’s response resonated deeply, drawing a poignant parallel between her recent experience and her enduring spirit. “I fell on stage a while back,” she began, her voice filled with a quiet strength. “The problem with me is that I always make sure to bounce back from setbacks with strength.”
She then delved into the personal motivation that fueled her journey, a heartfelt tribute to her late grandmother. “I was on this platform last year, and this year I’m here giving it my all to win Miss Universe Philippines for the second time because my grandmother, who passed away early this year, and I both shared this desire. My tribute to her is this.”
Her authentic and powerful answer resonated with the judges and the audience alike, ultimately securing her the coveted Miss Universe Philippines 2025 title, besting 65 other accomplished delegates. Adding to her triumphant night, Ahtisa also bagged awards from the preliminary competition, namely: Miss Jewelmer, Miss Mags, and Miss Zonrox Colorsafe. Now, she will be embodying Filipino beauty in Miss Universe 2025, to be hosted in Bangkok, Thailand on November 21.
Ahtisa’s journey to the crown has been years in the making, marked by consistent dedication and a refusal to be deterred by setbacks. Back in 2017, she landed the second runner-up spot in the Reyna ng Aliwan pageant. A year later, her impassioned speech on youth empowerment earned her the first runner-up title in Miss International 2018. She triumphed again in 2020, in securing the second highest title in Binibining Pilipinas-International — where she was its youngest candidate.
“I’m really happy at last. I appreciate all of your love and support. I felt it all the way through,” Ahtisa expressed, her voice filled with emotion. “I’m going to rest for a short while before making a strategy. (I’ll) check my strategy for Thailand.”
Signs and victory: The unexpected journey that led to the MUPH title
Adding a touch of destiny to her victory, Ahtisa revealed the serendipitous circumstances that led to her participation in this year’s competition. “I had a lot of signs before I could join MUPH,” she shared.
The title of Miss Universe Quezon Province was initially intended for someone else, but fate intervened.
“Before she backed out, there was already someone. After that, I had to arrange a flight to Laoag in order to attend the contract signing. That even took place. I had the impression that I was being guided in that direction. I decided to follow it because it doesn’t happen very often,” she added.
Acknowledging the caliber of her fellow contestants, Ahtisa remarked on the intense competition. “The Top 6 has been shown to you. In Thailand, we would still have a terrific fight even if one of us were crowned. I was simply pleased that I was selected by the judges.”
Joining Ahtisa in the winners’ circle were Muntinlupa bet Winwyn Marquez, who came in second as first runner-up, followed by Yllana Aduana of Siniloan, Laguna as second runner-up. Chelsea Fernandez of Sultan Kudarat was hailed Miss Philippines Cosmo 2025, while Taguig’s Katrina Llegado took home the Miss Philippines Supranational 2025 crown. Gabriella Carballo of Cebu City emerged as Miss Philippines Eco International.
The coronation night, hosted by Xian Lim and Gabbi Garcia with backstage coverage by Erika Kristensen-Lee and Tim Yap, featured performances by Marlo Mortel and James Reid. The esteemed panel of judges included Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi, Miss Universe 2011 third runner-up Shamcey Supsup-Lee, Kapuso actor Bianca Umali, and The Philippine STAR Lifestyle journalist Rissa Mananquil-Trillo.
As the evening drew to a close, the reigning Miss Universe Philippines 2024, Chelsea Manalo, delivered her farewell speech and took her final walk, passing on the crown and the responsibility to Ahtisa, the queen who stumbled but ultimately soared, embodying the true spirit of resilience and the unwavering pursuit of a dream. The Philippines now pins its hopes on Ahtisa Manalo to shine brightly on the Miss Universe stage in Bangkok, carrying with her the grace, strength, and unwavering spirit she so brilliantly displayed on her coronation night.
