On the dazzling stage of Miss Universe Philippines 2025, one answer stood out—raw, heartfelt, and deeply personal. When asked, “They say that a good leader leads by example. Tell us about one event in your life when you led by example and the impact it made,” Maria Ahtisa Manalo didn’t just deliver a rehearsed response—she opened her heart.
“I fell a while ago on stage. And the thing with me is, whenever I fall in life, I always make sure I come back stronger. Last year, I was here on this stage. And for the second time this year, I’m here putting everything on the stage to be Miss Universe Philippines, because this is mine and my grandmother’s shared dream. And she passed away early this year. And this is my ode to her.”
Her answer moved the audience and judges alike—showcasing not just elegance and eloquence, but also depth, resilience, and authenticity. That moment sealed her victory, earning her the crown as Miss Universe Philippines 2025. Ahtisa is now set to represent the country on the global stage at Miss Universe 2025, with the hopes of bringing home the crown.
From Quezon Province to the World Stage
Born on May 25, 1997, in Candelaria, Quezon, Maria Ahtisa Manalo is more than a beauty queen—she’s a role model, a businesswoman, and a relentless dreamer. Her multicultural background—Filipino-Spanish on her mother’s side and Finnish-Swedish on her father’s—has shaped her into a woman who bridges cultures and inspires unity.
Ahtisa studied Accountancy at the Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation, but her destiny pulled her toward the stage. She began joining pageants at just 16, winning titles like Queen of the Niyogyugan Festival (2016) and finishing as 2nd runner-up at the Reyna ng Aliwan Festival (2017).
A Career Built on Grace, Grit, and Growth
Her big break came in 2018 when she was crowned Binibining Pilipinas International. Representing the Philippines in Tokyo at Miss International, she impressed the world and finished as first runner-up—an extraordinary achievement.
In 2024, she returned to compete in Miss Universe Philippines and placed second runner-up. Shortly after, she was appointed as Miss Cosmo Philippines 2024 and competed in Vietnam’s first-ever Miss Cosmo International. Even with an ankle injury, she pushed through with courage, landing in the Top 10 and winning the Cosmo People’s Choice Award—proof of her unbreakable spirit and magnetic charm.
A Voice Beyond Beauty
Beyond the glitz of pageantry, Ahtisa is a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and youth empowerment. She works with organizations like Alon Akademie, nurturing young minds to become global thinkers and future leaders.
She’s also a thriving entrepreneur. Ahtisa owns and manages two cafés in Australia—Cafe Noun and Call Me Harris—and supports other popular food ventures such as Koomi, Oh My Greek, and Zig Foods.
Her Legacy is Still Unfolding
Ahtisa Manalo’s journey—from a small-town girl in Quezon to a queen of international caliber—is a story of courage, dreams, and undying perseverance. Her life and career embody the true essence of a modern Filipina: graceful under pressure, grounded in values, and guided by purpose.
As she steps onto the Miss Universe stage, she carries not just her beauty and talent—but also the hopes of a nation, the memory of a beloved grandmother, and a story that inspires millions to rise every time they fall.
