Philippines’ Manalo takes 3rd runner-up at Miss Universe

Philippines’ Ahtisa Manalo Finishes 3rd Runner-Up at Miss Universe 2025

The Philippines returned to the Miss Universe Top 5 for the first time in four years, with Ahtisa Manalo securing 3rd runner-up at the 74th edition of the pageant held in Bangkok, Thailand on Friday, November 21. Mexico’s Fatima Bosch claimed the crown in a competition marked by both controversy and celebration.philstar

Manalo advanced through multiple rounds, progressing from the Top 30 to the Top 12, and ultimately reaching the Top 5 before finishing fourth overall. Thailand’s Praveenar Singh earned 1st runner-up, while Venezuela’s Stephany Abasali took 2nd runner-up, and Côte d’Ivoire’s Olivia Yacé placed 4th runner-up.pageantcircle

From Poverty to the Global Stage

During the question-and-answer portion, Manalo delivered a powerful response about her journey from humble beginnings. When asked about her contribution to humanity as a global ambassador, she shared, “I want to be the hope of people. 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”.gmanetwork

The 26-year-old beauty queen emphasized her work with Alon Academy, an organization providing opportunities to young people from low-income backgrounds. “I want to continue working with Alon Academy in a platform like Miss Universe to pursue making sure that people from low-income backgrounds are given the same opportunities like everyone else,” Manalo told the selection committee.instagram

Philippine Pride and Historical Context

Manalo’s Top 5 finish marks the Philippines’ best placement since Beatrice Luigi Gomez reached the same round in 2021. The achievement drew praise from Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, who co-hosted the Miss Sultanudarat pageant on Thursday and voiced her support for “our bunso,” saying Manalo was “doing an incredible job”.philstar

Gray, who won the Miss Universe crown in Bangkok seven years ago, humorously suggested she might “take a break” from going viral this year, referencing how Filipino fans frequently revisit her 2018 performance. During the competition, Manalo wore designer Val Taguba’s creations, including a white two-piece for the swimsuit round and an elegant silver gown with a sheer veil for the evening gown segment.philstar

The coronation concluded a dramatic edition of the international pageant, which saw 120 contestants compete for the crown. Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark, Miss Universe 2024, crowned Bosch as her successor. The next Miss Universe pageant will take place in Puerto Rico in 2026.inquirer