The Heart of Queen
Miss Universe Philippines 2025 Ahtisa Manalo is all fired up, literally and figuratively as she prepares to conquer the Miss Universe stage in Thailand this November. For her evening gown, Ahtisa teamed up once more with Val Taguba, the same designer behind her winning look in Miss Universe Philippines. She teased that her team was beyond thrilled when they saw the gown, saying, “I’m really, really excited for everyone to see what we’ve prepared.” With that level of confidence, it’s safe to expect elegance with impact. What I love most is how everything from the costumes to the journey is being documented by Empire Philippines for a behind-the-scenes feature dropping on October 26. It’s refreshing to see that they’re letting fans witness the grit and heart behind every stunning photo and performance. Beyond the glamour, Ahtisa’s story continues to be deeply inspiring. She opened up about her humble beginnings and how pageantry became her way to dream bigger not just for herself, but for her family. “Pageantry has been my vessel to achieve dreams that I want for myself and for my family,” she said through tears. You can really feel her gratitude and it’s raw, sincere, and full of love. I admire how she carries both poise and humility. Her mindset reflects a woman who’s done the inner work and someone who knows that confidence isn’t just about looking perfect, but about embracing one’s purpose. “This send-off is just the beginning,” she said with conviction. “Mayroon pa tayong ilalaban na fifth crown... and ilalaban ko kayo lahat.” That line alone gave me goosebumps. It’s not just her fight but it’s every Filipino’s. As she heads to Bangkok, Ahtisa brings more than gowns and glamour but she brings heart, hope, and the quiet fire of someone who’s waited years for this moment. Win or not, her story already shines with strength and authenticity. But if the stars align, this Dragon Queen just might blaze her way to the Philippines’ fifth Miss Universe crown. 🔥 CTTO📷: DAILY TRIBUNE