Ahtisa Manalo Concludes Her Miss Universe Journey with a 3rd Runner-Up Finish
After a strong performance in the preliminary competitions, Manalo finishes in the Top 5, the highest placement for the Philippines since 2021.
At the Impact Challenger Hall in Nonthaburi, Thailand, Miss Universe Philippines Ahtisa Manalo wrapped up pageantry’s most prestigious competition with a 3rd Runner-Up finish under her sash.
Fátima Bosch, Miss Mexico is the new Miss Universe. Rounding up the Top 5 are 1st Runner-Up Praveenar Singh, Miss Thailand; 2nd Runner-Up Stephany Abasali, Miss Venezuela; and 4th Runner-Up Olivia Yacé, Miss Côte d’Ivoire.
Allure Philippines previously reported that the 5’8” Filipina, who was born in Candelaria, Quezon, has been competing in pageantry for 17 years. She famously won the Miss Universe Philippines crown in May after falling in the evening gown walk during the Top 12 round.
Allure Philippines
During the Q&A, when asked about what her contribution to humanity would be, Manalo answered: “I come from a very poor background. I started pageants at 10 years old to put myself through school and to lift my family out of poverty. And if there’s anything that I want to show the universe, I’m here right now. I’m standing as Miss Universe because I was able to get myself out of any situation, because I was hardworking, I was persistent, and I fight for what I want.”
“Losing usually teaches me more about myself than winning does,” Manalo also shared in a previous exclusive with Allure Philippines. “It’s easy to be kind and gracious when everything goes your way. But your real character comes out when it doesn’t.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Ahtisa Manalo, representing the Philippines, placed 3rd Runner-Up at Miss Universe 2025, held at the Impact Challenger Hall in Nonthaburi, Thailand. She was among the Top 5 finalists at the competition.
Fátima Bosch of Mexico was crowned Miss Universe 2025. The Top 5 also included 1st Runner-Up Praveenar Singh of Thailand, 2nd Runner-Up Stephany Abasali of Venezuela, and 4th Runner-Up Olivia Yacé of Côte d’Ivoire.
When asked about her contribution to humanity, Manalo spoke about growing up in poverty, beginning pageantry at age 10 to fund her education and support her family, and using persistence and hard work to change her circumstances. Her answer centered on resilience as a lived, personal achievement rather than an abstract ideal.
Ahtisa Manalo was born in Candelaria, Quezon. She stands 5’8″ and has been competing in pageantry for 17 years, winning the Miss Universe Philippines crown in May 2025 after a notable moment during the evening gown walk in the Top 12 round.
Manalo has been competing in pageantry for 17 years, having started at age 10. Her Miss Universe Philippines win in 2025 came after a lengthy competition career spanning multiple pageant platforms across the Philippines.
