Ahtisa Manalo captivated audiences during the preliminary competition in a show-stopping gown by Mak Tumang.

Named Pinctada, the gown draws inspiration from the ocean’s depths, featuring a midnight blue hue kissed with gold that mirrors the luminous Pinctada maxima shell, home of the coveted South Sea pearl.

Its flowing silhouette, adorned with sunburst motifs, pays tribute to the iconic Miss Universe crown, perfectly blending elegance with symbolic homage.