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.”
