MANILA — The Miss Universe Philippines 2025 Coronation kicked off with a very colorful dance of 1994's 'Mabuhay' at the Mall of Asia Arena last night, May 2.  

Sixty-six candidates came out which got cut down to 24 to 12 to 6. The set was beautiful and all the girls were bringing their A game throughout, especially during the swimsuit round and evening gown competition.

Girls walked in beautifully designed gowns with new titleholder Ahtisa Manalo wearing Val Taguba in pink and dazzling stones.

Despite falling during her walk, Manalo, got up and continued her walk as if nothing had happened.

The arena was allout in cheering for Ahtisa who was clearly the favorite from the beginn even after all top six girls were announced, namely: Sultan Kudarat, Chelsea Fernandez; Siniloan, Laguna, Yllana Marie Aduana; Muntinlupa, Teresita Ssen Marquez; Taguig, Ma. Katrina Llegado; Cebu City, Gabriella Mai Carballo; and Quezon Province, Ma. Ahtisa Manalo.

Ahtisa Manalo of Quezon Province wins Miss Universe PH 2025 crown

All six candidates were impressive at the Q&A with each one giving confident answer.

For the new Miss Universe Philippines, she took on sharing a more personal approach when asked to share an event in her life where she led by example.

"I fell a while ago on stage. And the thing with me is, whenever I fall in life, I always make sure I come back stronger. Last year, I was here on this stage, and for the second time this year, I’m here, putting everything on this stage to be Miss Universe Philippines, because this is mine and my grandmother’s shared dream. And she passed away early this year. And this is my ode to her," Manalo shared.  

Ahtisa, who was second runner up last year, was more than happy to finally win the crown she and her fans has coveted since she was a child.

“I can’t even tell you how happy I am,” Manalo shared. “I got caught in my dress, and after I fell down all I wanted was to get back up.

Manalo believes it was her destiny to win the crown.

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“I had so many signs before I decided to join Miss Universe Philippines. I wasn’t even supposed to be Miss Universe Philippines Quezon Province. There was someone already and then she backed out,” Manalo said.

“I was in Laoag and I had to book a flight to the contract signing,” she added. “It felt like I was getting led to that way so I followed it because that rarely happens," she added.

The Quezon pride is thrilled that she came back this year to be able to win— and that not even a fall on stage could stop her.

“The top 6, any of us can be crowned and we’d still have a good fight in Thailand and I’m just very happy that the judges chose me," she said.

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