Ahtisa Manalo Explained

Birth Name:Maria Ahtisa Manalo
Birth Date:25 May 1997
Birth Place:Candelaria, Quezon, Philippines
Education:Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation (B.Acy)

Maria Ahtisa Manalo (pronounced as /tl/) (born May 25, 1997) is a Filipino beauty pageant titleholder, who won Binibining Pilipinas International 2018 and represented the Philippines at Miss International 2018 where she was first runner-up.

Representing Quezon, Manalo competed in Miss Universe Philippines 2024 and was the second runner-up. She was the appointed to represent the Philippines at Miss Cosmo 2024 where she finished in the top 10.

Early life and education

Manalo was born in Candelaria, Quezon, and is of Finnish, Swedish, Spanish, and Filipina heritage.[1] [2] She attended the Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation and graduated with a degree in accountancy.[3]

Pageantry

Binibining Pilipinas 2018

See main article: Binibining Pilipinas 2018. Manalo won Binibining Pilipinas 2018, on March 18, 2018, at the Araneta Coliseum.[4] During the final question and answer round, she was asked: "How should a beauty queen respond to ruthless criticism?" Manalo answered:

At the end of the pageant, Manalo was crowned Binibining Pilipinas International 2018 by outgoing titleholder Maria Angelica de Leon.[5] [6] At age 20, Manalo was the youngest winner at the contest.[7]

Miss International 2018

See main article: Miss International 2018. As the winner of Binibining Pilipinas International 2018, Manalo represented the Philippines at Miss International 2018, held at the Tokyo Dome City Hall on November 9, 2018. In the run-up to the competition, Manalo was identified as a favorite to win the contest from her performance during the pre-pageant activities.[8]

At the coronation night, Manalo competed with a gown by Filipino designer Michael Cinco.[9] During the top eight final speech, Manalo emphasized her eagerness to lead despite her youth, and vowed to continue being "the voice of the youth in showing that nothing is impossible with hard work and determination".[10] [11]

At the end of the event, Manalo was first runner-up to Mariem Velazco of Venezuela.[12] At the end of her reign as Binibining Pilipinas International, Manalo crowned Bea Magtanong as her successor at the Binibining Pilipinas 2019 pageant.[13]

Miss Universe Philippines 2024

See main article: article and Miss Universe Philippines 2024. Manalo was second runner-up at Miss Universe Philippines 2024, and was appointed Miss Cosmo Philippines 2024.

Background

Following the Miss International pageant, Manalo was identified as a potential candidate for future national pageants.[14] On January 31, 2020, she applied for Miss Universe Philippines 2020,[15] but withdrew due to medical issues.[16] [17] Her withdrawal prompted accusations of her staging a publicity stunt, though, she clarified that she filed the application as late as possible as she was unsure of her decision to compete.[18]

On January 27, 2024, the Miss Universe Philippines Quezon Province pageant announced that Manalo would represent the province at Miss Universe Philippines 2024.[19] [20] In the run-up to the pageant, Manalo was seen as the "heavy favorite" to win the contest.[21] At the preliminary competition, Manalo won eight special awards from the pageant's sponsors, the most of any contestants that year.[22] [23]

At the coronation night, Manalo competed with a gown designed by Cinco.[24] She would advance to the top five, where she was asked "Women learn from each other. What is the biggest lesson that you’ve learned from another woman?". She responded:[25]

Towards the end of the event, Manalo was announced as the second runner-up to the winner, Chelsea Manalo of Bulacan.[26] Following the coronation, Manalo was appointed Miss Cosmo Philippines 2024.[27] Online, Manalo's finish was an upgrade to her first runner-up finish at Miss International 2018. In response, Manalo confirmed that she chose the title, citing her experiences in the startup industry and her love for "being part of making something out of nothing".[28]

Miss Cosmo 2024

Manalo represented the Philippines at Miss Cosmo 2024,[29] reaching the top 10.

In the pre-pageant activities, Manalo won the First Station of the People’s Choice Award, which guaranteed her entry into the top 10.[30]

During the national costume event on September 19, Manalo showcased an orange ensemble designed by Ehran Montoya, intended to resemble Dyesebel, a popular fictional mermaid.[31] She was third in the “Cosmo People’s Choice” national costume poll.[32] She sustained a sprained ankle following a stage accident during rehearsals.[33]

Advocacies and platforms

Manalo is an LGBTQ advocate.[34] Manalo works with the Alon Akademie organization, which focuses on enriching the "global citizenship, social skills, and entrepreneurial mindset" of children.[35]

Personal life

In an interview with the Philippine Entertainment Portal on August 17, 2019, following her reign as Binibining Pilipinas International, Manalo stated that she has been running two cafés in Australia—Cafe Noun and Call Me Harris. Manalo also played a role in the creation and expansion of food brands such as Koomi, Oh My Greek, and Zig Foods.[36]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Vergara . Alex Y. . Ahtisa Manalo: Dutiful & beautiful . June 21, 2023 . Philstar.com . June 21, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230621164813/https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/allure/2018/06/24/1827237/ahtisa-manalo-dutiful-beautiful . live .
  2. Web site: Ahtisa Manalo ready to conquer the Miss Universe stage: 'I'm a lot stronger now' . May 9, 2024 . Manila Bulletin . en . May 9, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240509090238/https://mb.com.ph/2024/1/27/ahtisa-manalo-ready-to-conquer-the-miss-universe-stage-i-m-a-lot-stronger-now . live .
  3. Web site: Mwendwa . Winfred . March 3, 2020 . Ahtisa Manalo profile: Bio, family, age, boyfriend . June 12, 2023 . Kami.com.ph . June 12, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230612152906/https://kami.com.ph/106981-ahtisa-manalo-profile-bio-family-age-boyfriend.html . live .
  4. Web site: March 21, 2018 . Get to know Bb Pilipinas International 2018 Ma. Ahtisa Manalo . June 13, 2023 . RAPPLER . en-US . June 4, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230604075901/https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/pageants/198608-things-to-know-ahtisa-manalo-binibining-pilipinas-international-2018/ . live .
  5. Web site: March 19, 2018 . Catriona Gray crowned Miss Universe-PH to lead all winners in Bb. Pilipinas 2018 pageant . February 28, 2019 . . en-US . March 1, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190301074638/http://www.interaksyon.com/entertainment/2018/03/19/122763/catriona-gray-crowned-miss-universe-ph-to-lead-all-winners-in-bb-pilipinas-2018-pageant/ . live .
  6. Web site: March 18, 2018 . FULL LIST: Top 10, Binibining Pilipinas 2018 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20200811093327/https://rappler.com/entertainment/pageants/binibining-pilipinas-2018-winners . August 11, 2020 . July 14, 2021 . Rappler . en.
  7. Web site: Villano . Alexa . March 21, 2018 . Get to know Bb Pilipinas International 2018 Ma. Ahtisa Manalo . June 13, 2023 . RAPPLER . en-US . June 4, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230604075901/https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/pageants/198608-things-to-know-ahtisa-manalo-binibining-pilipinas-international-2018/ . live .
  8. Web site: Afinidad-Bernardo . Deni Rose M. . November 4, 2018 . Philippines almost wins Miss International 2018 . June 13, 2023 . Philstar.com . April 4, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230404041430/https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2018/11/09/1867223/philippines-almost-wins-miss-international-2018 . live .
  9. Web site: November 9, 2018 . WATCH: Miss International PHL 2018 Ahtisa Manalo wows in gorgeous Michael Cinco gown . June 13, 2023 . GMA News Online . en . November 19, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181119000136/http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/shoppingandfashion/674172/miss-international-phl-2018-ahtisa-manalo-wows-in-gorgeous-michael-cinco-gown/story/ . live .
  10. News: November 9, 2018 . Ahtisa Manalo delivers Miss International 2018 speech . . June 13, 2023 . November 17, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201117050935/https://news.abs-cbn.com/life/11/09/18/ahtisa-manalo-delivers-miss-international-2018-speech . live .
  11. Web site: November 10, 2018 . Ahtisa Manalo finishes first runner-up in Miss International 2018 . June 12, 2023 . news.abs-cbn.com . June 12, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230612152907/https://news.abs-cbn.com/life/11/09/18/ahtisa-manalo-finishes-first-runner-up-in-miss-international-2018 . live .
  12. Web site: November 9, 2018 . Venezuela's Mariem Claret Velazco Garcia wins Miss International 2018 . June 13, 2023 . RAPPLER . en-US . July 19, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230719223746/https://www.rappler.com/life-and-style/216316-mariem-claret-velazco-garcia-miss-international-2018-winner/ . live .
  13. Web site: June 9, 2019 . Gazini Christiana Ganados is crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2019 . June 13, 2023 . RAPPLER . en-US . February 1, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230201191620/https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/pageants/232653-gazini-christiana-ganados-crowned-miss-universe-philippines-2019/ . live .
  14. Web site: Bracamonte . Earl D. C. . LIST: Filipina queens who could bring back The Philippines to Miss Universe Top 16 . June 13, 2023 . Philstar.com . March 18, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230318205442/https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/fashion-and-beauty/2023/01/24/2238762/list-filipina-queens-who-could-bring-back-philippines-miss-universe-top-16 . live .
  15. Web site: February 2, 2020 . Ahtisa Manalo withdraws Miss Universe Philippines bid . June 20, 2023 . RAPPLER . en-US . June 20, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230620012341/https://www.rappler.com/life-and-style/250800-ahtisa-manalo-withdraws-miss-universe-philippines-bid/ . live .
  16. Web site: Severo . Jan Milo . Miss International 2018 1st runner-up Ahtisa Manalo backs out from Miss Universe Philippines 2020 . June 13, 2023 . Philstar.com . February 27, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200227201522/https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2020/02/03/1990061/miss-international-2018-1st-runner-ahtisa-manalo-backs-out-miss-universe-philippines-2020 . live .
  17. News: February 3, 2020 . Ahtisa Manalo backs out of Miss Universe Philippines race . . June 13, 2023 . June 18, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210618223920/https://news.abs-cbn.com/life/02/03/20/ahtisa-manalo-backs-out-of-miss-universe-philippines-race . live .
  18. News: February 3, 2020 . Ahtisa Manalo cries foul over 'publicity stunt' accusations . . June 13, 2023 . December 17, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201217002926/https://news.abs-cbn.com/life/02/04/20/ahtisa-manalo-cries-foul-over-publicity-stunt-accusations . live .
  19. Web site: Ahtisa Manalo to represent Quezon Province in Miss Universe Philippines 2024. January 27, 2024. Philippine Star. January 27, 2024. January 27, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240127111907/https://philstarlife.com/celebrity/214763-ahtisa-manalo-quezon-province-miss-universe-philippines-2024. live.
  20. Web site: January 27, 2024 . Ahtisa Manalo returns to pageantry as Quezon Province's rep for Miss Universe Philippines . January 27, 2024 . GMA News Online . en . January 27, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240127111915/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/showbiz/chikaminute/895596/ahtisa-manalo-returns-to-pageantry-as-quezon-province-s-rep-for-miss-universe-philippines/story/ . live .
  21. Web site: Mallorca . Hannah . May 23, 2024 . Ahtisa Manalo's Miss Cosmo Philippines 2024 title dismays pageant fans . May 25, 2024 . INQUIRER.net . en . May 24, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240524014222/https://entertainment.inquirer.net/557841/ahtisa-manalos-miss-cosmo-philippines-2024-title-dismays-pageant-fans . live .
  22. News: Bracamonte . Earl . May 21, 2024 . Ahtisa Manalo sweeps Miss Universe Philippines 2024 preliminaries special awards . May 21, 2024 . . May 21, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240521123343/https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/fashion-and-beauty/2024/05/21/2356851/ahtisa-manalo-sweeps-miss-universe-philippines-2024preliminaries-special-awards . live .
  23. Web site: May 22, 2024 . Ahtisa Manalo of Quezon Province bags 8 special awards in Miss Universe Philippines 2024 prelims . May 25, 2024 . GMA News Online . en . May 25, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240525122436/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/content/907344/ahtisa-manalo-quezon-province-special-awards-miss-universe-philippines-2024-prelims/story/ . live .
  24. Web site: Diaz . One Carlo . May 23, 2024 . Gowns by Dubai designers shine on Miss Universe Philippines stage . May 25, 2024 . The National . en . May 25, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240525021944/https://www.thenationalnews.com/lifestyle/fashion-beauty/2024/05/23/chelsea-manalo-miss-universe-philippines-dubai-designers/ . live .
  25. Web site: Mallorca . Hannah . May 23, 2024 . TRANSCRIPT: Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Top 5 Q&A segment . May 25, 2024 . INQUIRER.net . en . May 23, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240523203633/https://entertainment.inquirer.net/557741/transcript-miss-universe-philippines-2024-top-5-qa-segment . live .
  26. Web site: Abad . Ysa . May 22, 2024 . Bulacan's Chelsea Manalo is Miss Universe Philippines 2024 . May 25, 2024 . RAPPLER . en-US . May 22, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240522172642/https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/pageants/bulacan-chelsea-manalo-winner-miss-universe-philippines-2024/ . live .
  27. Web site: Purnell . Kristofer . LIST: Miss Universe Philippines 2024, 4 more titles' winners; special awards . May 25, 2024 . Philstar.com . May 23, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240523191049/https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/fashion-and-beauty/2024/05/23/2357100/list-miss-universe-philippines-2024-4-more-titles-winners-special-awards . live .
  28. Web site: Adina . Armin P. . June 11, 2024 . Ahtisa Manalo confirms she chose to receive Miss Cosmo Philippines title . June 12, 2024 . INQUIRER.net . en.
  29. Web site: Basina . Carby . May 23, 2024 . Ahtisa Manalo named Miss Cosmo PH, Alexie Brooks hailed as Miss Eco International PH . May 25, 2024 . GMA News Online . en . May 25, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240525093945/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/content/907698/ahtisa-manalo-named-miss-cosmo-ph-alexie-brooks-hailed-as-miss-eco-international-ph/story/ . live .
  30. Web site: Concepcion . Eton B. . September 15, 2024 . Miss Cosmo PH Ahtisa Manalo wins people’s choice award . September 28, 2024 . Manila Standard . en-US.
  31. Web site: Ahtisa Manalo transforms into "Dyesebel" for Miss Cosmo International 2024's National Costume Show . September 28, 2024 . PEP.ph . en.
  32. Web site: Adina . Armin P. . September 28, 2024 . Ahtisa Manalo in Top 3 of Miss Cosmo 2024 ‘national pride’ poll . September 28, 2024 . INQUIRER.net . en.
  33. News: Miss Cosmo PH Ahtisa Manalo recovering from ankle injury after stage incident in Vietnam . September 30, 2024 . ABS-CBN. September 30, 2024.
  34. Web site: Acar . Aedrianne . #PanaloSiManalo: What you should know about Miss International 2018 First runner-up Ahtisa Manalo . June 21, 2023 . www.gmanetwork.com . en . June 21, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230621164815/https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/celebritylife/news/9998/panalosimanalo-what-you-should-know-about-miss-international2018first-runner-up-ahtisa-manalo/photo . live .
  35. News: Castillejo . Dyan . January 27, 2024 . Ahtisa Manalo ready for the Miss Universe stage . ABS-CBN News.
  36. Web site: Beauty queen Ahtisa Manalo chooses food business over luxury items . June 13, 2023 . PEP.ph . en . August 7, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220807201818/https://www.pep.ph/lifestyle/lifestyle/145376/ahtisa-manalo-business-a721-20190817 . live .

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