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Ahtisa Manalo starts strategizing how to win Miss Universe crown

Article (news)

Dyan Castillejo

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17465960298742-Composite.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Miss Universe Philippines 2025 Ahtisa Manalo. Manalo/Instagram </div>Days after being crowned Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) 2025, Ahtisa Manalo stepped back into the spotlight to share candid reflections on her journey, the lessons she&#x27;s learned, and the sisterhood she&#x27;s found along the way.The returning candidate and former Binibining Pilipinas International titleholder admitted that after the coronation night, she stayed awake until the wee hours of the morning, with thoughts racing to the Miss Universe pageant six months from now in Bangkok.&quot;I couldn&#x27;t sleep right away,&quot; she said. &quot;I kept thinking, what do I need to do for Thailand, for us to win Miss Universe?&quot;The MUPH win did not come easily for Manalo, who revealed that her greatest transformation this year came from learning to silence her inner perfectionist.&quot;Last year, I was always in my head. This time, I made sure I was present in every moment, getting to know people, and enjoying every part of the competition,&quot; she said. One of the most treasured moments from her journey was the heartfelt tribute to the friendships she formed. She spoke warmly of Winwyn Marquez, Katrina Llegado, and Yana Aduana — fellow pageant veterans who were also vying for the crown.&quot;When I won, I saw how much they celebrated for me. Even though they had to give up on their dreams, they were really happy for me,&quot; Manalo shared, visibly moved.&quot;That was very touching,&quot; she added.During the MUPH coronation night, her heel caught on her gown which led to a fall onstage. But in true queenly fashion, Manalo stood up with poise and continued as though nothing had happened.&quot;I&#x27;ve judged a lot of pageants, and the women who usually win are the ones who show their hearts,&quot; she said. &quot;Even if I fall, I&#x27;ll try again. I&#x27;ll give it my best.&quot;<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/2025/5/2/ahtisa-manalo-of-quezon-province-wins-miss-universe-ph-2025-crown-2358">Ahtisa Manalo of Quezon Province wins Miss Universe PH 2025 crown</a></div>Asked how she found joy amid the pressures of competition, Manalo credited the support system around her: her family, friends, and team.&quot;They always remind me that I&#x27;ll win. And I choose to focus on the positive things — like people from my school 15 years ago messaging me good luck. That kind of love, I hold on to it,&quot; she said. For Miss Universe 2025 in Thailand later this year, Manalo has one top priority in her plan — becoming &quot;really, really fit.&quot;She will work to become stronger not just for physical stamina but also to keep her mind sharp and her energy high throughout the month-long competition.&quot;Being fit shows in your mind, the way you speak, the way you stand. That&#x27;s my number one project,&quot; she said. <div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/2025/5/5/ahtisa-manalo-stuns-in-newly-released-portraits-as-miss-universe-ph-2025-1256">Ahtisa Manalo stuns in newly released portraits as Miss Universe PH 2025</a></div>Manalo also hinted at surprises to come, from her pasarela to her wardrobe.Support from fans and even international designers has already started pouring in. One designer from Thailand even posted on social media their intent to share their creations with Manalo.&quot;It just shows that Filipino beauty queens are not only loved by local fans, but by pageant supporters all over the world,&quot; she said. When asked what winning Miss Universe would mean to her, Manalo responded with conviction: &quot;I want to bring the fifth crown to the Philippines. Five is my lucky number — my birth month is May, there were five signs before I joined, and [five seats left] on my flight to Laoag for contract signing. I believe in that.&quot;She ended her interview with a heartfelt thanks to the people who helped her get to this point: her family, team, friends, and longtime supporters.&quot;I wouldn&#x27;t be here without all of you,&quot; she said.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2025/2/16/what-made-ahtisa-manalo-return-to-miss-universe-ph-2130">What made Ahtisa Manalo return to Miss Universe PH?</a></div>As for her personal life? Manalo is single.&quot;If someone comes into my life, they have to understand that my goal is Miss Universe. The only way they can be in my life now is if they support that and work toward the same goal,&quot; she said. Watch the full interview on &quot;On Cue&quot; at ABS-CBN News YouTube page.

Days after being crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2025, Ahtisa Manalo stepped back into the spotlight to share candid reflections on her journey, the lessons she's learned, and the sisterhood she's found along the way.

Days after being crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2025, Ahtisa Manalo stepped back into the spotlight to share candid reflections on her journey, the lessons she's learned, and the sisterhood she's found along the way.

Ahtisa Manalo starts strategizing how to win 5th Miss Universe crown for PH

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Ahtisa Manalo starts strategizing how to win 5th Miss Universe crown for PH

Dyan Castillejo,

ABS-CBN News

Published May 07, 2025 01:34 PM PHT

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