Despite not winning the Miss Universe crown, Ahtisa Manalo felt like a queen upon coming home to overwhelming support from fans.
Manalo arrived in the Philippines via Terminal 1 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on Tuesday, Nov. 25, at around dawn, and was greeted by a crowd of fans, members of the press, and pageant vloggers, aiming to get a chance to see her up close.
The pageant veteran, who looked regal in a brown Filipiniana-inspired mini dress, was accompanied by Miss Universe Philippines (MUPh) organization EVP Voltaire Tayag at the airport.
‘What an incredible welcome! Fans and media gathered in numbers to greet Miss Universe 2025 3rd Runner-Up Ahtisa Manalo, showing just how deeply Filipinos celebrate their queen,’ the MUPh said.
In a separate clip, Manalo was also greeted by signs from airport staff, and was seemingly amused after seeing fans and the media pushing to get a closer look at her.
‘The energy was unmatched. An overwhelming wave of fans and media greeted Miss Universe 2025 3rd Runner-Up Ahtisa Manalo, a testament to the love she inspires. The Philippines is beyond proud!’ MUPh’s post read.
A veteran in her own right, Manalo has been competing in pageants for 18 years before arriving at her ‘ultimate destination’ of representing the Philippines on the Miss Universe stage. She eventually finished as third runner-up, despite being touted as one of the favorites to take home the crown after her strong performance at the preliminary competition.
She also joined Miss International 2018 and Miss Cosmo 2024, where she finished first runner-up and Top 10, respectively.
The Miss Universe Philippines confirmed that the global tilt will be her final foray into pageantry, and that she would continue with her work for the nonprofit organization Alon Akademie.