Miss Universe Philippines 2025 Ahtisa Manalo is ready to breathe fire on the global stage — quite literally.

At her emotional send-off held at Citadines Millennium Ortigas, the pride of Quezon Province revealed dazzling details about her national costume and evening gown as she heads to Thailand for the Miss Universe pageant this November.

Her national costume, designed by Mak Tumang, pays homage to Philippine artistry while reflecting her fierce and regal spirit.

“It’s a national costume that hasn’t been seen in a while on the Miss Universe stage,” Ahtisa said. “It’s a good representation of our culture and also my personality. I’m very excited for everyone to see it.”

Tumang — the visionary behind Catriona Gray’s iconic Lava Gown — is expected to once again merge symbolism, storytelling, and spectacle in Ahtisa’s piece.

For her evening gown, Ahtisa entrusted her look to Val Taguba, who also created her winning gown for Miss Universe Philippines.

“My team has already seen the gowns, and all I can say is they’re very happy,” she shared. “I’m really, really excited for everyone to see what we’ve prepared.”

The meticulous preparation behind these pieces will be chronicled in a behind-the-scenes documentary produced by Empire Philippines, premiering on 26 October 2025 on YouTube.

“Fans will finally see what really happens — how we choose the headshot, the national costume, the gowns — everything,” she said.

Eighteen years in the making

Ahtisa, now 27, grew emotional as she looked back on her 18-year journey in pageantry — from small-town beginnings in Quezon to the world’s biggest stage.

“I don’t think it’s enough how much I’ve already thanked the people around me,” she said through tears. “I wouldn’t be here without everyone who supported me from the very beginning.”

She spoke candidly about how beauty pageants became her life’s vessel — not just for personal growth, but also for helping her family.

“Pageantry has been my vehicle, my vessel in life to achieve dreams that I want for myself and for my family. I just hope my journey inspires others to go for their dreams.”

Ready for the fifth crown

“This send-off is just the beginning,” Ahtisa declared. “Mayroon pa tayong ilalaban na fifth crown, so I really hope that you still support me all throughout my Miss Universe journey when I get to Thailand. And ilalaban ko kayo lahat.”

Her promise was simple but powerful: “I will make sure that the Ahtisa on the Miss Universe stage is the best Ahtisa ever.”

Mentors and memories

Miss Universe Philippines Executive Vice President Voltaire Tayag reflected on Ahtisa’s transformation from a polished performer to an authentic woman who leads with heart.

“There are many who have competed numerous times,” Tayag said. “But the difference with Ahtisa is her growth. I was never satisfied with who she was presenting before — until she found her truth. When she had me in tears during the Miss Universe Philippines closed-door interview, I knew she was ready for Miss Universe.”

Miss Universe Philippines National Director Ariella Arida echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Ahtisa’s magnetic pull on Filipino fans.

“You reignited so many dreams when you won,” Arida said. “People who had stopped following pageants started again because of you. I hope these people inspire you to give your best every day.”

Former Miss Universe Philippines Director Shamcey Supsup-Lee also paid tribute to Ahtisa’s resilience after her loss the previous year.

“It’s tough to try again after falling short,” Supsup-Lee said. “But Ahtisa did it. She didn’t let failure stop her. That’s what makes her a queen — and I really believe in destiny.”

A mother’s faith and fire

Perhaps the most touching moment of the send-off came from Ahtisa’s mother, Elsie Manalo, who delivered a heartfelt message that drew both laughter and tears.

“I always believe in destiny,” she said. “Ang daming pinagdaanan ng anak ko — hardships in life, family problems — pero look at her now. She’s really a queen.”

And with a smile, she added, “Do not lose the fire inside you, because you are a queen. You are a Dragon Queen.”

Her words carried extra meaning, as Ahtisa’s send-off outfit — a Thai dragon-inspired ensemble — symbolized transformation, strength, and divine protection, themes that mirror her own journey.

Destiny awaits

As Ahtisa Manalo boards her flight to Bangkok, she carries with her not just the weight of a crown, but the love of an entire nation.

Her story — of perseverance, grace, and rebirth — now converges with destiny on the Miss Universe stage.

The Miss Universe 2025 coronation night will take place on 21 November 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand, gathering over 80 of the world’s most stunning and accomplished women to compete for one of the most coveted crowns in pageantry.

If the stars align, Ahtisa may soon deliver the Philippines its fifth Miss Universe crown — a triumph forged in fire, faith, and the fierce heart of a Dragon Queen.