Ahtisa Manalo Advances to Top 30 in Miss Universe 2025
AHTISA MANALO – The Filipina beauty queen has made it to the Top 30 finalists of Miss Universe 2025, keeping her chance alive to become the next Miss Universe.
The pageant’s coronation night is being held at the Impact Challenger Hall in Pak Kret, Nonthaburi, Thailand, on November 21, 2025. This year, 120 contestants from around the world are competing, and only thirty delegates have made it to this round, including representatives from India, Guadeloupe, China, Thailand, Dominican Republic, Brazil, Rwanda, Côte d’Ivoire, Colombia, Netherlands, Cuba, Bangladesh, Japan, Puerto Rico, USA, Mexico, Zimbabwe, Costa Rica, Malta, Chile, Canada, Venezuela, Guatemala, Palestine, Nicaragua, France, Paraguay, Croatia, and Latina. Paraguay earned its spot in the Top 30 after winning the People’s Choice Award.
Ahtisa drew attention with her national costume inspired by a festive Filipino fiesta and an elegant evening gown made of pearls, highlighting the country’s rich culture. She also impressed the judges with her appearance in the blue swimsuit during the preliminary competition. Residents of the Philippines and pageant fans around the world have been eagerly following her performance, celebrating her achievement as she advances in the competition.
The pageant is being hosted by American comedian Steve Byrne, with commentary from former Miss Universe winners Dayanara Torres (1993) and R’Bonney Gabriel (2022). Thai musician Jeff Satur provided entertainment, performing during the opening number. The reigning Miss Universe, Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark, will crown her successor at the end of the event.
Miss Universe 2025 is taking place amid a one-year mourning period for the late Queen Sirikit of Thailand, prompting some modifications to the pageant’s events. The competition has also drawn public attention due to controversies involving the Thai organizer, Nawat Itsaragrisil, and legal disputes with the Miss Universe Thailand licensee. Despite these challenges, the coronation night continues to celebrate beauty, talent, and culture on a global stage, with Ahtisa representing the Philippines and inspiring pride among her fellow Filipinos.
