We often hear sayings like “never give up on your dreams” or “your dreams don’t work unless you do.” and wonder if they truly hold any relevance in the real world. For many, the answer to it might be subjective however for one remarkable woman, these sayings became a big reality of her life. Ahtisa Manalo, the stunning beauty queen from Quezon Province, is making a bold return to the Miss Universe Philippines stage in 2025—her third attempt at the crown. She’s continuing the journey she first began back in 2018, with even greater determination and heart.
Known for her pulchritudinous appearance, doll-like features and unwavering dedication, Manalo’s tryst with pageantry began in the year 2018 when participated in the prestigious Binibining Pilipinas beauty pageant and won the Binibining Pilipinas International title. She subsequently, represented the Philippines at the 2018 Miss International beauty pageant held in Japan and secured the first runner-up positon.
Despite her impressive achievement as 1st runner-up at Miss International 2018, Ahtisa Manalo’s big dream remained unfulfilled: to win the Miss Universe Philippines crown and proudly represent her country on the world’s biggest beauty stage. In the Philippines, where beauty pageants are a national passion and Miss Universe is followed with the fervour of a major sport, that dream carries deep significance. For Ahtisa, it was never just about the crown—it was about wearing the Philippine sash at Miss Universe. Fuelled by unwavering fan support and calls for her return, she took her comeback seriously, polishing her skills, listening to feedback and returning to the pageantry with renewed determination. She returned in 2024, under the new Miss Universe Philippines management by Empire PH. But whether it was fate or timing, she finished as second runner-up. Later that year, she represented the Philippines at the first Miss Cosmo pageant in Vietnam and placed in the Top 10. And, her ultimate dream again remained out of reach.
In 2025, she gave it another shot at her long-held dream—this time with more fire, more faith and an army of believers supporting her. She returned to Miss Universe Philippines 2025 proudly representing Quezon Province. Her grit showed that dreams delayed are not dreams denied. Despite the applause of the past titles and the prestige of being a Miss International runner-up, one dream remained untouched: to represent the Philippines on the Miss Universe stage. In a country where pageantry is a national passion and queens are made not just with crowns but with dreams and courage, Ahtisa is stepping back on the same stage to chase the same dream. With grit in her heart, strength in her spirit and several admirers cheering louder than ever, she is turning the page to a new chapter of her journey - one that proves that no dream is too distant when you refuse to give up. Will she succeed this year? Only time will tell.
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