FESTEJADA: A living fiesta on the Miss Universe stage

In the world of pageantry, a national costume is more than clothing — it is a nation’s soul stitched into fabric. For Ahtisa Manalo’s highly anticipated appearance at the Miss Universe 2025 National Costume Show, celebrated designer Mak Tumang presents “Festejada: Queen of Philippine Festivals”, a breathtaking celebration of the Philippines’ cultural tapestry, artistry, and unshakeable spirit of joy.

Inspired by the country’s grand fiestas and the women who bring them to life, Tumang’s creation transforms Ahtisa into the embodiment of a nation that loves, honors, and lives through celebration. At first glance, the silhouette pays homage to the traje de mestiza, the timeless national attire linked to María Clara — Rizal’s iconic heroine and the symbolic ideal Filipina. The ensemble’s camisa with bell-shaped sleeves, the full saya, and the delicately draped pañuelo recall an era of elegance, virtue, and cultural pride.

At its core, “Festejada” is a tribute to Filipino craftsmanship. The upper ensemble, meticulously crafted from handmade piña fiber, highlights a textile known globally for its rarity and unmistakable Filipino identity. The embroidery alone carries deep meaning: the abanico, once a secret language of gestures, and the palay, the eternal symbol of abundance and bayanihan. Each stitch, motif, and flourish carries stories handed down through generations.

But it is the magnificent skirt that transforms this costume into a spectacle worthy of a global stage. Composed of over 65,000 hand-cut, die-cut, and heat-pressed petals, every layer blooms with character — a swirling, moving mural of Philippine festivals.

Each section honors iconic celebrations across the archipelago:

• Giant Lantern Festival of Pampanga – Three tiers inspired by the tambur, siku-siku, and palimbun, echoing the radiant star patterns of the Kapampangan parol.

• Pahiyas Festival of Lucban – A palette of greens, yellows, oranges, pinks, and reds that reflect the harvest, thanksgiving, and the artistry of kiping-covered houses.

• Panagbenga Festival of Baguio – Floral textures and cascading petals reminiscent of the flower-bedecked floats that fill Session Road with color and life.

To complete the vision, Ahtisa wears a reimagined peineta, rising above her coiffure like a celestial halo. Adorned with tambourine and filigree-inspired goldwork, the headpiece pays homage to traditional Philippine jewelry and the master artisans who have shaped the country’s goldsmithing legacy.

“Festejada” is more than a costume — it is an experience. It is light from the lanterns of Pampanga, the warmth of Lucban’s harvest joy, the fragrance of Baguio’s blooms, and the grace of María Clara all woven into a single narrative. It is the Philippines in full celebration, radiating beauty and unity.

With each step on the Miss Universe stage, Ahtisa Manalo brings to life a nation that celebrates not only its festivals, but its history, creativity, and unbreakable Filipino spirit — glowing like a thousand lanterns for the world to see.