Ahtisa Manalo

In this Philippine name, the family name is Manalo.
Ahtisa Manalo
Manalo in 2024
Born
Maria Ahtisa Manalo

(1997-05-27) May 27, 1997 (age 27)
Candelaria, Quezon, Philippines
EducationManuel S. Enverga University Foundation (B.Acy)
Beauty pageant titleholder
Title
Major
competition(s)

Maria Ahtisa Manalo (Tagalog: [mɐˈɾia ʔɐˈtɪsa mɐˈnalɔ]) (born May 27, 1997) is a Filipino beauty pageant titleholder. She was previously crowned Binibining Pilipinas International 2018 and represented the Philippines at the Miss International 2018 competition where she finished first runner-up.

Representing Quezon, Manalo competed in Miss Universe Philippines 2024 and was the second runner-up. She was the appointed to represent the Philippines at Miss Cosmo 2024 where she finished in the top 10.

Early life and education

[edit]

Manalo was born in Candelaria, Quezon, and is of Finnish, Swedish, and Filipina heritage.[1][2] She attended the Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation and graduated with a degree in accountancy.[3]

Pageantry

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Binibining Pilipinas 2018

[edit]
Main article: Binibining Pilipinas 2018

Manalo won Binibining Pilipinas 2018, on March 18, 2018, at the Araneta Coliseum.[4] During the final question and answer round, she was asked: "How should a beauty queen respond to ruthless criticism?" Manalo answered:

A beauty queen should always respond to criticism constructively. We beauty queens are public figures, and we put ourselves in the position to be judged. But nonetheless, we should always.. we should always filter which... which comments we should accept and what we should not.[5]

At the end of the pageant, Manalo was crowned Binibining Pilipinas International 2018 by outgoing titleholder Maria Angelica de Leon.[6][7] At age 20, Manalo was the youngest winner that edition.[8]

Miss International 2018

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Main article: Miss International 2018

Winning the title of Binibining Pilipinas International 2018 made Manalo the country's delegate to the Miss International 2018 pageant, held at the Tokyo Dome City Hall on November 9, 2018. In the run-up to the competition, Manalo was identified as a favorite to win the contest from her performance during the pre-pageant activities.[9]

At the coronation night, Manalo competed with a gown by Filipino designer Michael Cinco.[10] During the top eight final speech, Manalo emphasized her eagerness to lead despite her youth, and vowed to continue being "the voice of the youth in showing that nothing is impossible with hard work and determination".[11][12]

Miss International is a celebration of youth and empowerment. I've always believed that age is not a barrier to reach our dreams or to have an impact on others. At 15, I started to help programs in my community for street children. At 19, I graduated college. At 20, I realized that I can speak for good causes to a wider audience that's why I joined our national pageant.

If I become Miss International, I would continue being the voice of the youth, in showing that nothing is impossible with hardwork and determination. And with these beautiful ladies with me tonight, a family of beauty queens [who are] all beautiful young dreamers and achievers, we will show the world that it is love, peace, and beauty that we truly care about. And together, we shall make a difference.[11]

At the end of the event, Manalo finished as first runner-up to Mariem Velazco of Venezuela.[13] At the end of her reign as Binibining Pilipinas International, Manalo crowned Bea Magtanong as her successor at the Binibining Pilipinas 2019 pageant.[14]

Miss Universe Philippines 2024

[edit]
Main article: Miss Universe Philippines 2024

Manalo was second runner-up at Miss Universe Philippines 2024,[15] and was appointed Miss Cosmo Philippines 2024.[16]

Background

[edit]

Following the Miss International pageant, Manalo has been identified as a potential candidate for future national pageants.[17] On January 31, 2020, she filed her application for the Miss Universe Philippines 2020 pageant,[18] however, she would shortly withdraw the application due to medical issues.[19][20] Her withdrawal prompted accusations of her staging a publicity stunt, though, she has clarified that she filed the application as late as possible as she was unsure of her decision to compete.[21]

On January 27, 2024, the Miss Universe Philippines Quezon Province pageant announced that Manalo would represent the province at Miss Universe Philippines 2024.[22][23] In the run-up to the pageant, Manalo was seen as the "heavy favorite" to win the contest.[24] At the preliminary competition, Manalo won eight special awards from the pageant's sponsors, the most of any contestants that year.[25][26]

At the coronation night, Manalo competed with a gown designed by Cinco.[27] She would advance to the top five, where she was asked "Women learn from each other. What is the biggest lesson that you’ve learned from another woman?". She responded:[28]

My grandmother put me through school, and the biggest lesson I learned from her is to always be kind. She is someone who has a big heart and has taken care of me since I was a kid. And I do think my grandmother is someone that I can look I do. She is someone that is an embodiment of what a great woman is.

Towards the end of the event, Manalo was announced as the second runner-up to the winner, Chelsea Manalo of Bulacan.[15] Following the coronation, Manalo was appointed Miss Cosmo Philippines 2024.[16] Online, Manalo's finish was an upgrade to her first runner-up finish at Miss International 2018.[24] In response, Manalo confirmed that she chose the title, citing her experiences in the startup industry and her love for "being part of making something out of nothing".[29]

Miss Cosmo 2024

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Manalo represented the Philippines at Miss Cosmo 2024,[30] reaching the top 10.

In the pre-pageant activities, Manalo won the First Station of the People’s Choice Award, which guaranteed her entry into the top 10.[31]

During the national costume event on September 19, Manalo showcased an orange ensemble designed by Ehran Montoya, intended to resemble Dyesebel, a popular fictional mermaid.[32] She was third in the “Cosmo People’s Choice” national costume poll.[33] She sustained a sprained ankle following a stage accident during rehearsals.[34]

Advocacies and platforms

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Manalo is an LGBTQ advocate.[35] Manalo works with the Alon Akademie organization, which focuses on enriching the "global citizenship, social skills, and entrepreneurial mindset" of children.[36]

Personal life

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In an interview with the Philippine Entertainment Portal on August 17, 2019, following her reign as Binibining Pilipinas International, Manalo stated that she has been running two cafés in Australia—Cafe Noun and Call Me Harris. Manalo also played a role in the creation and expansion of food brands such as Koomi, Oh My Greek, and Zig Foods.[37]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Vergara, Alex Y. "Ahtisa Manalo: Dutiful & beautiful". Philstar.com. Archived from the original on June 21, 2023. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  2. ^ "Ahtisa Manalo ready to conquer the Miss Universe stage: 'I'm a lot stronger now'". Manila Bulletin. Archived from the original on May 9, 2024. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
  3. ^ Mwendwa, Winfred (March 3, 2020). "Ahtisa Manalo profile: Bio, family, age, boyfriend". Kami.com.ph. Archived from the original on June 12, 2023. Retrieved June 12, 2023.
  4. ^ "Get to know Bb Pilipinas International 2018 Ma. Ahtisa Manalo". RAPPLER. March 21, 2018. Archived from the original on June 4, 2023. Retrieved June 13, 2023.
  5. ^ Santos, Jamil (March 27, 2018). "What Bb. Pilipinas-International Ahtisa Manalo learned from her Q&A 'stutter'". GMA News Online. Archived from the original on January 27, 2024. Retrieved June 13, 2023.
  6. ^ "Catriona Gray crowned Miss Universe-PH to lead all winners in Bb. Pilipinas 2018 pageant". Interaksyon. March 19, 2018. Archived from the original on March 1, 2019. Retrieved February 28, 2019.
  7. ^ "FULL LIST: Top 10, Binibining Pilipinas 2018". Rappler. March 18, 2018. Archived from the original on August 11, 2020. Retrieved July 14, 2021.
  8. ^ Villano, Alexa (March 21, 2018). "Get to know Bb Pilipinas International 2018 Ma. Ahtisa Manalo". RAPPLER. Archived from the original on June 4, 2023. Retrieved June 13, 2023.
  9. ^ Afinidad-Bernardo, Deni Rose M. (November 4, 2018). "Philippines almost wins Miss International 2018". Philstar.com. Archived from the original on April 4, 2023. Retrieved June 13, 2023.
  10. ^ "WATCH: Miss International PHL 2018 Ahtisa Manalo wows in gorgeous Michael Cinco gown". GMA News Online. November 9, 2018. Archived from the original on November 19, 2018. Retrieved June 13, 2023.
  11. ^ a b "Ahtisa Manalo delivers Miss International 2018 speech". ABS-CBN News. November 9, 2018. Archived from the original on November 17, 2020. Retrieved June 13, 2023.
  12. ^ "Ahtisa Manalo finishes first runner-up in Miss International 2018". news.abs-cbn.com. November 10, 2018. Archived from the original on June 12, 2023. Retrieved June 12, 2023.
  13. ^ "Venezuela's Mariem Claret Velazco Garcia wins Miss International 2018". RAPPLER. November 9, 2018. Archived from the original on July 19, 2023. Retrieved June 13, 2023.
  14. ^ "Gazini Christiana Ganados is crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2019". RAPPLER. June 9, 2019. Archived from the original on February 1, 2023. Retrieved June 13, 2023.
  15. ^ a b Abad, Ysa (May 22, 2024). "Bulacan's Chelsea Manalo is Miss Universe Philippines 2024". RAPPLER. Archived from the original on May 22, 2024. Retrieved May 25, 2024.
  16. ^ a b Purnell, Kristofer. "LIST: Miss Universe Philippines 2024, 4 more titles' winners; special awards". Philstar.com. Archived from the original on May 23, 2024. Retrieved May 25, 2024.
  17. ^ Bracamonte, Earl D. C. "LIST: Filipina queens who could bring back The Philippines to Miss Universe Top 16". Philstar.com. Archived from the original on March 18, 2023. Retrieved June 13, 2023.
  18. ^ "Ahtisa Manalo withdraws Miss Universe Philippines bid". RAPPLER. February 2, 2020. Archived from the original on June 20, 2023. Retrieved June 20, 2023.
  19. ^ Severo, Jan Milo. "Miss International 2018 1st runner-up Ahtisa Manalo backs out from Miss Universe Philippines 2020". Philstar.com. Archived from the original on February 27, 2020. Retrieved June 13, 2023.
  20. ^ "Ahtisa Manalo backs out of Miss Universe Philippines race". ABS-CBN News. February 3, 2020. Archived from the original on June 18, 2021. Retrieved June 13, 2023.
  21. ^ "Ahtisa Manalo cries foul over 'publicity stunt' accusations". ABS-CBN News. February 3, 2020. Archived from the original on December 17, 2020. Retrieved June 13, 2023.
  22. ^ "Ahtisa Manalo to represent Quezon Province in Miss Universe Philippines 2024". Philippine Star. January 27, 2024. Archived from the original on January 27, 2024. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
  23. ^ "Ahtisa Manalo returns to pageantry as Quezon Province's rep for Miss Universe Philippines". GMA News Online. January 27, 2024. Archived from the original on January 27, 2024. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
  24. ^ a b Mallorca, Hannah (May 23, 2024). "Ahtisa Manalo's Miss Cosmo Philippines 2024 title dismays pageant fans". INQUIRER.net. Archived from the original on May 24, 2024. Retrieved May 25, 2024.
  25. ^ Bracamonte, Earl (May 21, 2024). "Ahtisa Manalo sweeps Miss Universe Philippines 2024 preliminaries special awards". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on May 21, 2024. Retrieved May 21, 2024.
  26. ^ "Ahtisa Manalo of Quezon Province bags 8 special awards in Miss Universe Philippines 2024 prelims". GMA News Online. May 22, 2024. Archived from the original on May 25, 2024. Retrieved May 25, 2024.
  27. ^ Diaz, One Carlo (May 23, 2024). "Gowns by Dubai designers shine on Miss Universe Philippines stage". The National. Archived from the original on May 25, 2024. Retrieved May 25, 2024.
  28. ^ Mallorca, Hannah (May 23, 2024). "TRANSCRIPT: Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Top 5 Q&A segment". INQUIRER.net. Archived from the original on May 23, 2024. Retrieved May 25, 2024.
  29. ^ Adina, Armin P. (June 11, 2024). "Ahtisa Manalo confirms she chose to receive Miss Cosmo Philippines title". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved June 12, 2024.
  30. ^ Basina, Carby (May 23, 2024). "Ahtisa Manalo named Miss Cosmo PH, Alexie Brooks hailed as Miss Eco International PH". GMA News Online. Archived from the original on May 25, 2024. Retrieved May 25, 2024.
  31. ^ Concepcion, Eton B. (September 15, 2024). "Miss Cosmo PH Ahtisa Manalo wins people's choice award". Manila Standard. Retrieved September 28, 2024.
  32. ^ "Ahtisa Manalo transforms into "Dyesebel" for Miss Cosmo International 2024's National Costume Show". PEP.ph. Retrieved September 28, 2024.
  33. ^ Adina, Armin P. (September 28, 2024). "Ahtisa Manalo in Top 3 of Miss Cosmo 2024 'national pride' poll". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved September 28, 2024.
  34. ^ "Miss Cosmo PH Ahtisa Manalo recovering from ankle injury after stage incident in Vietnam". ABS-CBN. September 30, 2024. Retrieved September 30, 2024.
  35. ^ Acar, Aedrianne. "#PanaloSiManalo: What you should know about Miss International 2018 First runner-up Ahtisa Manalo". www.gmanetwork.com. Archived from the original on June 21, 2023. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  36. ^ Castillejo, Dyan (January 27, 2024). "Ahtisa Manalo ready for the Miss Universe stage". ABS-CBN News.
  37. ^ "Beauty queen Ahtisa Manalo chooses food business over luxury items". PEP.ph. Archived from the original on August 7, 2022. Retrieved June 13, 2023.
[edit]
Awards and achievements
Preceded by
Curaçao Chanelle de Lau
 Miss International
(1st Runner-Up)
2018 		Succeeded by
Preceded by
Mariel de Leon
(Las Piñas)
 Binibining Pilipinas
2018 		Succeeded by
Preceded by
First
 Miss Cosmo Philippines
2024 		Succeeded by
Incumbent
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