Filipina beauty queen Ahtisa Manalo expressed gratitude to her supporters after finishing as 3rd Runner-Up in Miss Universe 2025, held Friday, November 21, in Bangkok, Thailand.
Manalo also placed third in the pageant’s “Beyond the Crown” category, which recognizes advocacy work. Paraguay’s Yanina Gómez won first place, while Netherlands’ Nathalie Mogbelzada came in second.
In her “Beyond the Crown” advocacy video, Manalo highlighted youth empowerment and leadership.
“Because leadership has never mattered more, and yet, it’s the one thing we often forget to teach. Around the world, 31% of young people say their education doesn’t prepare them for real life. Nearly one in four admit they’ve never learned leadership at all,” she said.
“Today, more than 2.1 million young Filipinos are not in school, not employed, and not trained—not because they lack potential, but because no one showed them how to use it,” she added.
After the pageant, she thanked her fans on social media.
“Maraming salamat po mga kababayan at sa lahat ng #Ahtistahins,” she posted.
Manalo’s hometown officials in Quezon province also praised her for showcasing the Philippines on the international stage.
Mexico’s Fatima Bosch was crowned Miss Universe 2025.
