Ahtisa Manalo dazzles in festival-inspired national costume at Miss Universe 2025

Dubai: Miss Universe Philippines Ahtisa Manalo showcased a national costume inspired by the country’s festival traditions during the Miss Universe 2025 national costume show on Wednesday, November 19, in Bangkok.

The costume, called 'Festejada,' was created by Filipino designer Mark Tumang and draws from the familiar silhouette of the traje de mestiza. Manalo said in a post that the look paid tribute to the Philippines’ long history of fiestas and the women who shaped the national dress, particularly María Clara, the iconic heroine from José Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere.

In photos shared on social media, Manalo is seen wearing hand-embroidered piña fabric. The ensemble featured a camisa, a saya, and a modest pañuelo draped across her shoulders. Tumang’s design incorporated elements from some of the country’s biggest festivals, including Pampanga’s Giant Lantern Festival, Lucban’s Pahiyas, and Baguio’s Panagbenga.

According to the Miss Universe Philippines organization, the skirt alone features more than 65,000 individual petals, forming a tapestry meant to reflect the joy, color, and creativity of Filipino celebrations. “Festejada is a reminder that our culture is not just worn — it is lived, shared, and carried with pride,” the group said in a post.

As of Tuesday, Manalo placed second in the online voting for Best National Costume, which will determine this year’s winner. The organization has been urging Filipino fans to support her through the Miss Universe app, where votes can be cast by watching ads or purchasing vote packages.

The Philippines is aiming for a historic three-peat in the National Costume category following back-to-back wins in recent editions.

Manalo will compete for the Philippines’ fifth Miss Universe crown during the coronation night on November 21 at the Impact Challenger Hall in Nonthaburi.

The finals of the 74th Miss Universe pageant will be broadcast live from Bangkok on Friday.