Although Ahtisa Manalo did not take the Miss Universe 2025 crown, her fellow Quezonians celebrated her strong showing after she was named third runner-up in the pageant held at Impact Challenger Hall in Nonthaburi, Thailand.
‘Still our Miss Universe!’ Quezon Gov. Angelina Tan posted on Facebook after Manalo’s placement was announced.
‘The whole Quezon province is so proud of you! Mabuhay ka.’
Tan praised Manalo’s long journey, saying her 18-year pursuit is ‘a testament to your courage, determination, and the heart that fuels your advocacy.’
A native of Candelaria town, Manalo, 28, began competing locally at age 10, joining her first pageant as a fourth-grader. Her rise on the national and international stages has drawn strong local support.
Candelaria Mayor George Suayan likewise expressed the town’s pride.
‘The entire town of Candelaria is filled with pride and joy because of your achievement. You have shown the world the beauty and heart of a true Candelariahin!’ he wrote on Facebook.
‘You remain a winner in the hearts of the people of Candelaria. We are proud of you,’ Suayan added.
Quezon 2nd district Rep. Cong. David Suarez also extended his congratulations to Manalo for her ‘remarkable performance’ at the 74th Miss Universe pageant.
‘From right here in Candelaria, Quezon – from our beloved second district – you carried the Philippine flag with honor, excellence, and a truly Filipino heart,’ Suarez said in a post in Filipino on social media.
He described Manalo’s achievement as ‘more than the crown, you became a light of hope’.
‘You proved that with hard work, courage, and belief in oneself, there is no stage in the world that a young Quezonian cannot reach,’ the solon emphasized.
Mexico’s Fatima Bosch won the Miss Universe 2025 crown, defeating 119 contestants.
Thailand’s Praveenar Singh was first runner-up, Venezuela’s Stephany Abasali placed second, while Manalo and Côte d’Ivoire’s Olivia Yacé finished as third and fourth runners-up, respectively