Introduction
Maria Ahtisa Manalo is not just a beauty queen – she’s a symbol of resilience, ambition, and quiet strength. Crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2025, she has captivated audiences not only with her elegance but also with her compelling story. Her journey from a small town in Quezon Province to the global stage is a testament to the power of dreams nurtured by education and family support.
Table of Contents
Childhood in Candelaria: Humble Beginnings
Ahtisa Manalo was born on May 25, 1997, in Candelaria, Quezon, and raised in a simple home where tradition, hard work, and education were cherished. Her name, “Ahtisa,” was inspired by her biological father, Ahti – a man she has never met. Her mother, of Filipino-Spanish descent, and her father, reportedly half Swedish and half Finnish, gave her a multicultural heritage that she proudly embraces.
Despite the absence of her biological father, Ahtisa was surrounded by love. She was raised primarily by her grandmother, with financial support from her godfather, who played a crucial role in funding her education. This unconventional family structure instilled in her a deep sense of gratitude and independence from an early age.
Values and Early Influences
Growing up in Candelaria, Ahtisa Manalo was immersed in a community that celebrated local culture and festivals. These early experiences would later influence her pageant career, where she often represented her hometown with pride. Her upbringing was marked by simplicity, but also by a strong emphasis on discipline, humility, and perseverance.
She also had a sister, Athena Manalo, with whom she shared a close bond. The support of her family, especially her grandmother and mother, became the bedrock of her emotional strength.
Academic Excellence: Ahtisa the Scholar
Ahtisa Manalo’s academic journey began at Candelaria National High School, where she quickly distinguished herself as a bright and diligent student. Known for her sharp intellect and leadership qualities, she actively participated in extracurricular activities, balancing academics with community involvement.
Her initial career aspiration was to become a police officer, and she even applied to the Philippine National Police Academy. This ambition reflected her desire to serve and protect – a trait that would later manifest in her advocacy work. However, life had other plans.
Eventually, she shifted her focus to business and finance, enrolling at the Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation in Lucena City. There, she pursued a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy (BSA). The rigorous demands of the program honed her analytical skills and discipline, preparing her for the multifaceted challenges of public life.
Pageantry as a Means of Empowerment
Ahtisa Manalo’s foray into pageantry began not as a pursuit of fame, but as a means to support her education. At just 10 years old, she started joining local beauty contests, often using her winnings to pay for school supplies and tuition. These early competitions taught her poise, confidence, and the art of public speaking.
Her big break came in 2017, when she competed in Reyna ng Aliwan, a festival-themed national pageant. Representing the Niyogyugan Festival of Quezon, she placed as second runner-up, gaining national attention for her grace and eloquence.
Rise to National Prominence
In 2018, Ahtisa Manalo entered the prestigious Binibining Pilipinas pageant. At just 20 years old, she was crowned Binibining Pilipinas International 2018, becoming the youngest winner of that edition. Her intelligence and maturity shone during the Q&A portion, where she emphasized the importance of responding to criticism with mindfulness and grace.
Later that year, she represented the Philippines at Miss International 2018 in Tokyo, Japan. Wearing a gown by renowned designer Michael Cinco, she delivered a powerful speech about youth leadership and resilience. She finished as first runner-up, solidifying her status as one of the Philippines’ most promising beauty queens.
Pageant Journey: A Decade of Determination
Ahtisa Manalo’s pageant career is a testament to perseverance. Her journey spans over a decade, marked by early setbacks, major wins, and a triumphant comeback.
Early Pageants
- Reyna ng Aliwan 2017: Representing the Niyogyugan Festival of Quezon, Ahtisa placed second runner-up. This festival-themed national pageant was her first major exposure to the competitive world of beauty contests.
Binibining Pilipinas 2018
- At just 20 years old, Ahtisa won Binibining Pilipinas International 2018, becoming the youngest winner that year.
- Her Q&A response – about responding to ruthless criticism with mindfulness – showed maturity and emotional intelligence.
- She represented the Philippines at Miss International 2018 in Tokyo, finishing as first runner-up to Venezuela’s Mariem Velazco.
- Her final speech emphasized youth leadership and resilience:
Withdrawal from Miss Universe Philippines 2020
- Ahtisa filed for Miss Universe Philippines 2020 but withdrew due to health concerns.
- Her decision sparked rumors of a publicity stunt, which she clarified as a late submission and personal uncertainty.
Miss Universe Philippines 2024
- Representing Quezon Province, she quickly became a crowd favorite and even took home eight special awards during the preliminaries.
- She finished as second runner-up to Chelsea Manalo of Bulacan.
- Despite criticism, she was appointed Miss Cosmo Philippines 2024, where she placed in the Top 10 and won People’s Choice Award and Miss Cosmo Tourism Ambassador.
Miss Universe Philippines 2025
- On her third attempt, Ahtisa finally clinched the crown.
- During the coronation night, she stumbled on stage but recovered gracefully, using the moment in her winning answer:
- She dedicated her win to her late grandmother, calling it their “shared dream”.
Ahtisa will represent the Philippines at Miss Universe 2025 in Thailand, aiming to join the ranks of Filipina legends like Gloria Diaz, Margie Moran, Pia Wurtzbach, and Catriona Gray.
Ahtisa Manalo: Beauty with a Purpose — Her Social Work, Charity, and Advocacy
In the world of pageantry, beauty often takes center stage. But for Ahtisa Manalo, crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2025, beauty is merely the gateway to something far more powerful: advocacy, compassion, and social change. Her journey from a young entrepreneur to a national titleholder is a testament to how grace, grit, and generosity can redefine what it means to be a modern Filipina queen.
From Pageants to Purpose
Ahtisa Manalo’s rise to prominence began with her participation in national beauty pageants, but her true impact lies beyond the glitz and glamour. Representing Quezon Province, she clinched the Miss Universe Philippines crown on May 2, 2025, and immediately set herself apart by championing causes close to her heart.
Her platform is rooted in gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and youth empowerment – issues she not only speaks about but actively works to address.
Fierce Advocate for LGBTQ+ Rights
Ahtisa Manalo has consistently used her voice to support the LGBTQ+ community. In interviews, she’s spoken candidly about her personal connections to the community, saying:
“I have family members who are gay, and I have a lot of friends who are gay also… I’m surrounded by gay people and the LGBT community.”
Her advocacy is not performative – it’s personal. She believes in allyship, and her stance echoes the legacy of past queens like Pia Wurtzbach and Catriona Gray, who also stood firmly for LGBTQ+ rights. Ahtisa’s message is clear: equality is not optional – it’s essential.
Empowering Youth Through Education
One of Ahtisa Manalo’s most impactful initiatives is her work with Alon Akademie, a non-profit organization focused on youth development. Through this partnership, she helps teach young people social skills, entrepreneurial education, and personal growth strategies.
Her goal is to equip the next generation with tools to thrive – not just academically, but emotionally and socially. She believes that education is the foundation of empowerment, and she’s committed to making it accessible to all.
Entrepreneurial Spirit and Family Support
Before her pageant success, Ahtisa Manalo was already making waves as a young entrepreneur. She started a food business six years ago, driven by her passion for cooking and her desire to support her family. In a heartfelt interview, she shared:
“Ako nagpapa-aral sa mga kapatid ko… Hindi ko maa-achieve ‘yung buhay na gusto ko para sa akin at sa pamilya ko ng magiging empleyado lang ako.”
Thanks to her business acumen, she was able to send her siblings to college, buy a car, and build a stable foundation for her family. Her story is a powerful reminder that entrepreneurship can be a tool for social mobility.
Advocacy Through Vulnerability
Ahtisa Manalo’s advocacy also includes promoting emotional intelligence and compassion. In a recent interview, she spoke about the challenges of receiving unsolicited advice as a public figure:
“I just hope that when people give these pieces of advice, they remember to be kind… We still feel things.”
Her openness about vulnerability and emotional resilience is refreshing in a world that often demands toughness. She encourages others to embrace their softness and lead with empathy.
Preparing for the Global Stage
As Ahtisa Manalo prepares to represent the Philippines at the Miss Universe 2025 pageant in Thailand, Ahtisa carries more than just a sash – she carries a mission. Her advocacy work, entrepreneurial success, and emotional authenticity make her a formidable contender not just for the crown, but for global recognition as a changemaker.
She’s not just aiming to win a title; she’s aiming to inspire a movement.
Lessons from Ahtisa’s Journey
Ahtisa Manalo’s story offers valuable lessons for anyone seeking to make a difference:
- Use your platform wisely: Whether you’re a beauty queen or a student, your voice matters.
- Empower others through education: Knowledge is a gift that keeps on giving.
- Lead with empathy: Kindness is a strength, not a weakness.
- Stay grounded: Success is sweeter when it’s shared with those you love.
Legacy and Future
Ahtisa Manalo is more than a beauty queen – she’s a symbol of resilience, a voice for the marginalized, and a beacon of hope for young Filipinas.
Her journey from a small town in Quezon to the global stage is a narrative of grit, grace, and growth. Whether she wins Miss Universe or not, her legacy is already etched in the hearts of those she’s inspired. As she prepares for the international stage, Ahtisa carries not just the Philippine sash, but the dreams of every young girl who dares to rise above circumstance.
Also read about “Rewriting Pageantry Rules: Mister & Miss Supranational Contestants Comeback“.
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