Miss Universe 2025: Ahtisa Manalo arrives in Thailand, eyes 5th crown for Philippines

Dubai: The Philippines made its presence felt in Bangkok as Miss Universe candidate Ahtisa Manalo landed on Sunday, greeted by a roaring crowd waving Philippine flags and holding portraits of their queen.

The official arrival date for the prestigious pageant was November 2, and while some contestants had flown in earlier, it was Manalo’s arrival that drew the loudest cheers and the most excitement among fans at the airport.

“The love and support were overwhelming,” the Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) organization posted on social media, describing a moment that perfectly captured the pride of Filipinos around the world.

Manalo, 28, stepped out in a modern take on the traditional Thai attire, wearing a delicate white lace top with a sash-style drape over one shoulder paired with loose trousers—a graceful nod to the host country’s culture.

Just hours before, the beauty queen received a spirited send-off at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, where supporters gathered to wish her luck. “Thank you for the beautiful send-off, Philippines!” she wrote on Instagram.

Manalo is competing for the Philippines’ fifth Miss Universe crown, following the victories of Gloria Diaz (1969), Margie Moran (1973), Pia Wurtzbach (2015), and Catriona Gray (2018).

This year’s edition marks the largest in Miss Universe history, with more than 120 contestants participating. The coronation night will be held on November 21 in Thailand.

Ahtisa Manalo has emerged as one of the early fan favorites—carrying with her the hopes of millions of Filipinos who believe the next Miss Universe crown could once again belong to the Philippines.