Fresh off the glittering stage of the Miss Universe Philippines 2025 coronation night, newly crowned titleholder Ahtisa Manalo and the rest of the Top 6 finalists took a moment to look back at the personal milestones and emotions that made the night unforgettable.

At a post-pageant press conference, the six queens shared the memories they hold closest to their hearts. Their reflections revealed stories of family, faith, friendship, and quiet triumphs that go far beyond the crowning moment.

Ahtisa Manalo – Miss Universe Philippines 2025

"The moment they called my name as Ms. Universe Philippines, I was happy. But also I was so happy with everyone's reaction that, you know, it's also their dream to be Miss Universe Philippines. But I saw how much they celebrated that I won. And it really shows how amazing all of these women are. Even though they had to give up on their dreams, or I got their dream at this time, they were happy for me and they celebrated me."

Manalo’s win was made even more meaningful by the overwhelming support of her fellow candidates. For her, it was a reminder of the sisterhood that defined the competition.

Wynwyn Marquez – 1st runner-Up

"That moment when my daughter ran up to me and my partner. So hindi natulog 'yung daughter ko from the start of the pageant until the end of the pageant hanggang pag-uwi namin, gising na gising siya holding the banner, Muntinlupa. My partner had that photo."

"I think 'yun na 'yung prize ko talaga na my daughter has seen me on the Miss Universe Philippines stage that she could say that when she goes to school that my mom [was on] Miss Universe Philippines."

For Marquez, the true reward was not the placement but the pride in her daughter's eyes.

Yana Aduana – 2nd Runner-Up

"There was a lot of emotions going on, you know. Rollercoaster of emotions. All the highs and the lows. I was able to feel it afterwards. But they made everything so special. They made that situation really special. And they made me feel loved. So I'm really grateful for my family for being there waiting for me."

Aduana credited her family for grounding her through the highs and lows of coronation night, turning an emotionally charged evening into one filled with love and support.

Gabriella Carballo – Miss Eco International Philippines 2025

"So, actually, I'm gonna be real. Clearly, I was enjoying my time the whole entire night. If you saw my face during the swimsuit, I think you know that I was really enjoying."

"For me, the second that I was called into Top 6 was where I already felt like I was a winner in my own right. Only because I knew how tough this batch was. And it just meant a lot to even just be there in the Top 6."

"One thing I prayed for before we even started was I just want the ability to answer the Q&A. And so the fact that I was able to do that and just share my heart, I was so, so happy after. We kept taking photos backstage after that part."

"We were all just super happy. And after just seeing my family, you know, all the different events we've had, my family are always waiting there for me to come out. One candidate out of 66, my family is just waiting there for me. And so coming back home to them, especially that we're not from here, we're from Cebu. So seeing everyone who flew all the way up just for me was just the biggest celebration after."

Carballo emphasized the joy of simply being present and being seen—by the judges, the audience, and most especially, by her family.

Chelsea Fernandez – Miss Philippines Cosmo 2025

"Right after the coronation night, I feel like I had an immediate meet-and-greet with all of the Chelsea supporters. So thank you for capturing it, po."

"And of course, aside from that, my best friend, she's working in Qatar. She went home just to watch my coronation night and was really amazed and shocked when I saw her. And of course, I cried a lot. And she was actually the reason why I joined Miss Universe Philippines because I asked her to actually ask for a sign. So siya talaga ang nag-push sa akin. That's why I'm really grateful for her. And I'm so thankful that she really went home just to see my coronation night."

Fernandez’s most meaningful moment came in the form of an emotional reunion. Her best friend’s surprise presence served as a quiet affirmation of why she entered the pageant in the first place.

Kat Llagado – Miss Philippines Supranational 2025

"For me, naman po, during that time, out of the arena, straight lumabas po because I'm thinking, sino kaya susundo sa akin? Is my family still there? Because my parents are senior citizens."

But then Llagado’s homecoming was highlighted with a heartwarming gesture, ending with the sight of a tarpaulin made by her mother — an image of pride and support that capped off her coronation night.

"My friends, second family ko, they were all shouting, cheering for Taguig. I was so happy to see them. And then when I saw my family, when I came home na sa bahay, may nakita ko tarpaulin. 'Yung mom ko nagpa-print agad na tarpaulin."

Ahtisa Manalo of Quezon Province wins Miss Universe PH 2025 crown

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