Still on a high from her victory as Miss International 2018 first runner-up, Ahtisa Manalo gave her utmost thanks to those who supported her along the way. Among those in the special mentions were her glam team, the Ahtistahins fans club, and Filipinos all over the world that cheered her on.

“My crown and my wholehearted thanks goes to: The Filipinos, all over the world, for the love and support. Quezonians for cheering me on ever since. The Miss International Organization, for giving me a new set of family and a great stay in Japan. Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. headed by Mrs Araneta, for giving me the honor of representing the Philippines. Also to Miss Liliana and Sir Gines for taking care of us queens. My Aces and Queens team especially Mama J, Mama Ru and Tito Nad, for all the encouragement, training and help. The Ahtistahins and my support team, especially Oyelle, Ian, Tim, Dale, Sir James, Meng and Nico- for being my happy and chill pills.

“Vhee Co and Francis Chee, my stylists, for putting together my looks throughout my stay in Japan. And all the designers that lent me their creations especially Mark Bumgarner, Cheetah Rivera and Rosenthal Tee. Amir Sali, for making me a phenomenal traditional costume. Michael Cinco, for the impalpable evening dress. Jojo Bragais for my pageant shoes. Albert Kurniawan, for training me on how to look my best. Mama Lourd for giving me the Japanese silky hair. Dr. CRB for taking care of my skin. CAD for my smile,” wrote the beauty queen.

The 20-year-old also extended her gratitude towards her strongest support system: her mentors, family, and friends. “Tatay Wendell Capili and Doc Gene Navera, for all the lessons and cultural training. Tita Lavinia and Tita Belay, for giving me tips on how to transform to a social media butterfly. My friends who are there to cheer me up the whole way, especially Michael. My family for always being so understanding and supportive. And to everyone who believed in me, supported me and never doubted me, maraming salamat po!”

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My crown and my wholehearted thanks goes to: The Filipinos, all over the world, for the love and support. Quezonians for cheering me on ever since. The Miss International Organization, for giving me a new set of family and a great stay in Japan. Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. headed by Mrs Araneta, for giving me the honor of representing the Philippines. Also to Miss Liliana and Sir Gines for taking care of us queens. My Aces and Queens team especially Mama J, Mama Ru and Tito Nad, for all the encouragement, training and help. The Ahtistahins and my support team, especially Oyelle, Ian, Tim, Dale, Sir James, Meng and Nico- for being my happy and chill pills. Vhee Co and Francis Chee, my stylists, for putting together my looks throughout my stay in Japan. And all the designers that lent me their creations especially Mark Bumgarner, Cheetah Rivera and Rosenthal Tee. Amir Sali, for making me a phenomenal traditional costume. Michael Cinco, for the impalpable evening dress. Jojo Bragais for my pageant shoes. Albert Kurniawan, for training me on how to look my best. Mama Lourd for giving me the Japanese silky hair. Dr. CRB for taking care of my skin. CAD for my smile. Tatay Wendell Capili and Doc Gene Navera, for all the lessons and cultural training. Tita Lavinia and Tita Belay, for giving me tips on how to transform to a social media butterfly. My friends who are there to cheer me up the whole way, especially Michael. My family for always being so understanding and supportive. And to everyone who believed in me, supported me and never doubted me, maraming salamat po! ❤️

A post shared by Ma Ahtisa Manalo (@ahtisa) on Nov 10, 2018 at 4:51pm PST

Ahtisa was crowned last Friday in Tokyo, Japan second to Venezuelan Mariem Velazco, who finished the pageant as this year’s Miss International.