Miss Universe Philippines candidates and titleholders light up the stage with festive energy as they perform to the original soundtrack, “Mabuhay.”
Photos courtesy of SM MOA Arena
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The reigning Miss Universe 2024 queens are seen waving to the camera during their SM Mall of Asia parade. Photo from the SM Mall of Asia’s official Facebook page.
The stage fills with elegance and poise as the top 6 pose in their evening gowns.
Maria Ahtisa Manalo of Quezon Province emerged as the newly crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2025, besting 65 other candidates in a dazzling coronation night held at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena on 2 May 2025.
The highly anticipated competition drew in a trailblazing crowd of supporters from across the country who came to support their chosen candidate.
Among the pageant's fans were past titleholders Michelle Dee (2023), Celeste Cortesi (2022), and Shamcey Supsup-Lee (2011).
The coronation night was hosted by Xian Lim, Gabbi Garcia, Tim Yap, and Erika Kristensen-Lee, with performances from James Reid and Marlo Mortel adding musical sparkle to the event. Just days before, reigning queens were also spotted along the SM Mall of Asia grounds for the pre-pageant motorcade, thrilling onlookers and fans.
Despite a brief fall during the evening gown segment, Manalo stood out for her poise and honesty. When asked about leading by example, she responded, “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.”
Manalo, who previously competed in Miss Universe Philippines 2020, now reclaims the spotlight with a powerful comeback. She was crowned over fellow finalists Teresita Ssen Marquez (Muntinlupa), Katrina Llegado (Taguig), Chelsea Fernandez (Sultan Kudarat), Yllana Marie Aduana (Laguna), and Gabriella Carballo (Cebu) — rounding out a strong Top 6.
The Philippines now looks ahead to the 74th Miss Universe competition in Thailand, where Manalo will carry the nation’s pride and hopes.
