Ronnabelle Lora

Ariella Arida congratulates Ahtisa Manalo’s win in Miss Universe PH: ‘She never gave up!’

Article (news)

Rhea Manila Santos

Push Team

<p>It’s been three days since Ahtisa Manalo of Quezon Province was crowned this year’s Miss Universe Philippines and still, the congratulatory messages keep pouring in for her from in and outside the pageant community. The 27-year-old stunner representing the Quezon Province will now be gearing up to represent the country at the 74th Miss Universe pageant, which will be held in Thailand this November.</p><div><br/></div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-0" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DJLxcc-PQnY/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=607&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A3113454.300000012%2C%22ls%22%3A3112751.600000024%2C%22le%22%3A3113404%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="858" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-0" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/2025/5/2/ahtisa-manalo-of-quezon-province-wins-miss-universe-ph-2025-crown-2358"><strong>READ: Ahtisa Manalo of Quezon Province wins Miss Universe PH 2025 crown</strong></a></div><p>Last May 3, no less than new Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) national director Ariella Arida shared just how ecstatic she was for the new beauty queen. Ariella also did the country proud after becoming third runner-up in Miss Universe in 2013. In her latest Instagram post, Ariella penned a sweet message for Ahtisa.</p><div><br/></div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-1" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DJIiWuBP0y8/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=607&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A1%2C%22os%22%3A3113491.100000024%2C%22ls%22%3A3112751.600000024%2C%22le%22%3A3113404%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="823" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-1" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><p>She wrote, “Timing is everything, they say and I believe it now more than ever. I’ve seen her journey and her unwavering spirit. I even had the honor of judging her last year. Many were heartbroken by the outcome, but that’s the beauty and mystery of life, it doesn’t always make sense right away. But this time, the stars finally aligned. She never gave up. Even when she stumbled, literally, she stood back up with grace, with fire in her heart, and a dream that refused to fade. That’s what makes a true queen. Dear Universe, look closely… because here she is, our Miss Universe 2025, Ahtisa Manalo from Quezon Province @ahtisa 👑”</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/2020/2/3/fresh-scoops/ahtisa-manalo-explains-decision-not-to-push-throug-14009"><strong>READ: Ahtisa Manalo explains decision not to push through with Miss Universe Philippines application<br/></strong></a></div><p>In the same post, Ariella also put the spotlight on the other 65 candidates who gave their all during the finals night last May 2. “To all our queens, thank you. This journey isn’t easy. It demands so much of your mind, body, and soul. But you showed up with courage, beauty, and heart. I am beyond proud of every single one of you. You are all queens in your own right. @themissuniverseph”</p><div><br/></div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-2" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DJGxL-8RBNs/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=607&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A2%2C%22os%22%3A3113512.100000024%2C%22ls%22%3A3112751.600000024%2C%22le%22%3A3113404%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="858" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-2" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><p>In an interview with ABS-CBN’s Metro Style earlier this year, Ariella shared how she planned to help mentor beauty queen aspirants. ”I&#x27;m more focused on the girls. I&#x27;m overseeing them. I&#x27;m helping them with their training and events as well. And of course, I&#x27;m helping pick our best delegate possible to represent Miss Universe Philippines. Actually, it&#x27;s really a big, big job,. With all the sponsor events, with all the production, where all the girls are involved, I&#x27;ll be part of those, and I&#x27;ll be guiding them through their journey,” she explained. </p>

<p>Beauty queen and Miss Universe Philippines national director Ariella Arida congratulates Ahtisa Manalo on taking home the crown last May 2.</p>

Beauty queen and Miss Universe Philippines national director Ariella Arida congratulates Ahtisa Manalo on taking home the crown last May 2.