After four years, the Philippines again made it to the Top 5 of the Miss Universe pageant when Ahtisa Manalo cinched a spot in this year’s edition.
Manalo breezed through the lineup in a custom silver gown by Val Taguba with a sheer veil that made her look like floating as she was walking in front of the Impact Arena in Thailand.
Aside from Manila, Thailand’s Praveenar Singh, Venezuela’s Stephany Abasali, Mexico’s Fatima Bosch, and Cote d’Ivoire’s Olivia Yace.
The last time the Philippines made it to the Top 5 was in 2021 with Beatrice Luigi Gomez in Israel. Michelle Dee came close to the final round in 2023 in El Salvador.
It was also revealed via a taped announcement that Puerto Rico will be the host of the Miss Universe 2026 pageant.
After the Top 5 announcement, the remaining contestants are set to showcase their intelligence and wit in the question and answer portion. The segment will determine the candidates who will advance to the next round.
The coronation event of the 74th edition of the Miss Universe pageant is being held at the Impact Challenger Hall in Nonthaburi, Thailand on Friday, Nov. 21