Miss Universe mania has begun with the stunning Philippine bet Ahtisa Manalo all set to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey at the world’s most exciting and much-anticipated pageant.
Manalo looked radiant wearing a pink, sequin half-sleeve slit dress with a dragon motif on the shoulder during her send-off held at Citadines Millennium Hotel in Ortigas.
Manalo, who was born in Candelaria, Quezon, to a Finnish-Swedish father and Filipino mother, expressed her excitement and gratitude to everyone for their love and support since joining national pageants.
“For my countrymen, I will fight whatever it is, and I’m going to come on the other end smiling. I promise you’ll see the best Ahtisa on the Miss Universe stage,” said the 28-year-old entrepreneur.
Shamcey Supsup-Lee, national director of Miss Universe Philippines, expressed her admiration for Manalo’s courage when she returned to try again after falling short in Miss Universe Philippines 2024.
“She didn’t let that failure stop her from pursuing what she really wanted, to become Miss Universe Philippines. And I really do believe in destiny,” said Supsup-Lee.
The 74th Miss Universe pageant will push through as originally scheduled despite the passing of Thailand’s Queen Sirikit. It will be held from Nov. 2 to 21 in Nonthaburi, Thailand, with only some changes in the schedule of activities in deference to the state of mourning in Thailand.
***
Myrna Esguerra targets 7th crown in Miss International 2025
The long wait is over for Bb. Pilipinas International 2024 Myrna Esguerra as she is all set to fly to Japan for the Miss International 2025 pageant. It’s been almost a decade since the Philippines brought home the title, and many Filipinos believe that the drought may end this year with Esguerra’s victory.
Esguerra made history as the first-ever country girl from the province of Abra to enter and win in Bb. Pilipinas, made even more significant as it happened during the pageant’s 60th anniversary edition.
Esguerra, glowing in a salmon pink, mermaid-cut, strapless dress, met with members of the media during her send-off held at World Kitchens in Araneta City on Tuesday.
“I can’t wait to come to Japan and shout ‘the Philippines.’ I’m thankful I have had more than enough time to prepare after I won Binibini in July 2024. I’m not going to deviate from the performance I showed in Binibini, but more polished, elegant, and classy. I want to show my authentic self,” said the 24-year-old tourism management graduate who volunteers with the National Cleanup Coalition Philippines in pursuit of her platform of raising awareness on environmental preservation and sustainability.
“She’s so sweet. No doubt about it, she’s Miss International material,” said Bb. Pilipinas International 2025 Katrina Anne Johnson, who joined her fellow Bb. Pilipinas past and present queens and other well-wishers at the event.
The 63rd Miss International 2025 will be held in Tokyo, Japan, on Nov. 27.
