Ma. Ahtisa Manalo has begun her journey on the Cosmo stage in Vietnam, aiming to become the first woman to win the Miss Cosmo crown.
Manalo’s path to Miss Cosmo wasn’t her initial goal. In 2018, she joined Bb. Pilipinas for the chance to represent the country in Miss Universe but lost to Catriona Gray. She then competed in Miss International, where many believed she had the crown, but she placed second to a Venezuelan candidate.
Six years later, the 27-year-old doll-like Filipina from Candelaria, Quezon made a comeback at Miss Universe Philippines as a heavy favorite. Once again, she fell short, finishing third to Chelsea Manalo, but secured the title as the first Miss Cosmo Philippines.
Early on, Manalo, an Accountancy graduate and entrepreneur, has proven herself a serious contender, winning the pre-opening “Cosmo People’s Choice” Award. This win grants her the “Hope Star” boost, doubling her voting points in the final stage, a private photoshoot, a VIP party, 24-hour media support, and a chance to take over Cosmo’s Instagram for 24 hours.
The Cosmo People’s Choice Award guarantees her direct entry into the Top 10 finalists, too.
Dubbed ‘Impactful Beauty,’ Miss Cosmo boasts the richest total prize of up to $1 million, the largest in pageant history, and is expected to be named ‘Pageant of the Year.’ The event, running from Sept. 15 to Oct. 5 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, features participants from over 80 countries and territories.
