The fifth Miss Universe crown. We’ve been dreaming about it, waiting for it, and now, our Miss Universe Philippines 2025 Ahtisa Manalo is officially heading to Bangkok, Thailand, to claim it on November 21st.

If her send-off press conference was any indication, Ahtisa is walking into that competition with not just stellar preparation, but with the perfect mindset: one that balances fierce determination with self-compassion. Trust me, after hearing her speak, the word “ready” doesn’t even begin to cover it.

The Pink Dragon: A Tribute to Thailand and Her Fiercest Cheerleader

Ahtisa walked in looking absolutely divine in a pink ensemble, and she revealed the beautiful symbolism behind the look. Her stylist was inspired by the pink dragon temple in Thailand—a perfect nod to the host country where she will compete.

But the look held an even deeper, more personal meaning. She dedicated the “dragon” motif to her mom, whom she fondly calls her “dragon” because she is “fiery and Batanguena“. This queen is stepping onto the world stage with her family’s strength literally woven into her style—that’s the kind of heart we need!

The Power of Self-Kindness: Why Ahtisa Took a Week Off

The road to Miss Universe is notoriously grueling, and Ahtisa opened up about a health scare that momentarily shook her confidence. She recently caught a bad flu with “pounding headaches” that forced her to take a week off from preparing. She admitted feeling down, thinking she had “wasted a whole week”.

But here’s the lesson we all needed to hear: She spoke to her core team and her mom, who reminded her, “I’ve prepared for this for 18 years… what’s a week off? I’m only a person”. That self-talk was crucial. She realized she shouldn’t beat herself up over things she can’t control, because everything she can control has already been prepared for. Her journey is a vital reminder to be “nice and kind” to yourself.

More Than Just a Body: The Strategy Behind Her Rigorous Prep

When asked about her fitness routine, Ahtisa emphasized that all the grueling work—boxing, Pilates, yoga, and weight training—was done here in the Philippines. Why? Because the schedule in Thailand will be too “grueling,” leaving no time for workouts.

Her focus isn’t just on aesthetics, but on fueling her body by eating whole foods and not depriving herself. It’s a smart, focused strategy that ensures she arrives ready to focus only on presenting herself and being present in every activity.

The “Palaban” Package: Her X-Factor and the Mission to Empower Youth

So, what is the Ahtisa X-Factor that will set her apart on the international stage?

She confidently stated that her differentiator is the “entirety of who I am now”. She started doing pageants at the age of 10 to fund her own education. Her success is built on “grit and being relentless,” making her an “overall package of being palaban“.

If she wins the fifth crown, her platform is clear: empowering the youth through her organization, Alon Academy. She believes in “teaching people how to fish instead of giving them a fish”. That’s the voice of a true queen.

The Mindset: Why She Won’t Change for the Miss Universe Crown

In a final, powerful moment, Ahtisa addressed the pressure to change who she is to fit the mold of a “Miss Universe” winner. She firmly rejected that notion:

“I really don’t need to change who I am to fit the Miss Universe crown because if it’s for me, it will be for me. I believe in destiny. I believe that I am enough as a person of who I am.”

With her heart full of gratitude for the support from her family, team, and the media, Ahtisa promised that the woman we see on that stage in Bangkok will be the “best Ahtisa ever”.

The fight for the fifth crown starts now. Let’s send all our love and palaban energy to our Dragon Queen!

Watch the interview here: