Miss Universe Philippines candidate Ahtisa Manalo. Dyan Castillejo, ABS-CBN News

MANILA -- Ahtisa Manalo is once again competing at the Miss Universe Philippines.

She explained that she thought about it when she heard that Quezon Province was not having a candidate.

“Actually I took the vacancy of the representative for Quezon Province as a sign,” Manalo said.

“Then they announced that it’s in Thailand, sabi ko ‘ay parang gusto yata ako ng mga taga-Thailand’ then after, someone tagged me in a photo [of me] in a salon sa Thailand,” she said.

“I was thinking wala rin naman ako masyadong gagawin— no big projects coming up so why not give it another shot.”

Coming from her Miss Cosmo 2024 stint as a Top 10 finalist, Manalo said she is ready to be back in pageantry again.

“I’m game again. Rested na ako after,” she said.

This is Manalo’s second time joining Miss Universe Philippines. Last year, she also represented Quezon Province.  

For this edition, Ahtisa plans to enter the competition with a different mindset.

“Let’s enjoy this journey this time. I think I won’t overthink things. I was too particular about everything before, even the smallest details like how my makeup looked. If it’s not perfect I’m going to edit it,” she said.

“This time, I’m going to let go a little bit more,” Manalo said with a smile.

She also sent a message to her supporters, saying she "always feel[s] your love and support. 

"It’s amazing how it’s been unwavering since how many years has passed since my first national pageant," she added.

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