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Maria Ahtisa Manalo of Quezon Province emerged victorious at the Miss Universe Philippines 2025 coronation night held Friday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. Manalo bested 65 other candidates for the coveted crown and will represent the Philippines in November at the Miss Universe pageant in Bangkok, Thailand.
Newly-crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2025 Maria Ahtisa Manalo of Quezon Province. SCREENGRAB FROM EMPIRE PH/YOUTUBE
During the Top 6 Question and Answer round, she was asked, "They say that a good leader leads by example. Tell us about one event in your life when you lived by example and the impact it made?"
To which she answered, "I fell a while ago on stage. 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 this stage to be Miss Universe Philippines, because this is mine and my grandmother's shared her dream, and she passed away early this year. This is my ode to her."
Joining her in the Top 6 were Chelsea Fernandez of Sultan Kudarat — who won the PINA Beauty Voting Showcase — Yllana Aduana of Siniloan, Laguna, Winwyn Marquez of Muntinlupa, Katrina Llegado of Taguig, and Gabriella Carballo of Cebu City.
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A pageant veteran, Manalo started her journey in 2017 when she represented the Niyogyugan Festival of Quezon Province at the Reyna ng Aliwan competition, where she finished second runner-up. She later represented the Philippines at Miss International 2018 and earned a first runner-up finish. In 2024, she was appointed to represent the country at Miss Cosmo, where she made it to the Top 10.
Reigning Miss Universe Asia Chelsea Manalo of Bulacan crowned Manalo as her successor
This year's competition marked her second consecutive attempt at the Miss Universe Philippines crown.
Beyond pageantry, Manalo is a proud LGBTQ advocate and is actively involved with Alon Akademie, an organization focused on nurturing global citizenship, social responsibility, and entrepreneurial values among children.
The coronation night featured performances by James Reid and Marlo Mortel, and was hosted by Gabbi Garcia and Xian Lim, with Tim Yap and Erika Kristensen-Lee covering backstage events. Miss Universe 2024 Victoria Kjær Theilvig, along with her fellow continental queens, was in attendance.
Miss Universe Philippines 2024 and reigning Miss Universe Asia Chelsea Manalo of Bulacan crowned Manalo.
The event was livestreamed via Empire Philippines' YouTube channel and will air on GMA Network on May 4 at 9 a.m.
