In a night that celebrated beauty, elegance, and national pride, Maria Ahtisa Manalo emerged victorious as Miss Universe Philippines 2025, besting a competitive field of veterans and newcomers alike at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The pageant showcased 66 candidates, all vying for the honor of representing the Philippines on the global Miss Universe stage later this year in Bangkok, Thailand. From dazzling gowns to heartfelt interviews, the evening brought together pageant fans, supporters, and families for an unforgettable spectacle.
Queens crowned for international pageants
While Manalo took home the coveted crown, other standout candidates also secured titles that will send them to represent the Philippines in prestigious global competitions.
Reina Hispanoamericana 2017 Winwyn Marquez, representing Muntinlupa, earned the first runner-up title. Her seasoned performance drew loud cheers from the crowd. Following her, Miss Earth – Air 2023 Yllana Aduana of Sinaloan, Laguna placed second runner-up, adding another accolade to her impressive pageant career.
Sultan Kudarat’s Chelsea Fernandez was crowned Miss Cosmo Philippines 2025, gaining the opportunity to represent the country in the Miss Cosmopolitan pageant. Meanwhile, Katrina Llegado of Taguig secured the title of Miss Supranational Philippines 2025, positioning herself as the country’s bet for the global Supranational competition. Cebu City’s Gabriella Carballo also clinched a crown, becoming Miss Eco International Philippines 2025.
A celebration of resilience and beauty
The coronation night marked a historic moment under the leadership of Miss Universe Philippines 2013 Ariella Arida, who introduced innovations to elevate the pageant experience. Hosts Gabbi Garcia and Xian Lim led the program, while musical performances from James Reid and Marlo Mortel added excitement to the evening.
Manalo’s journey to the crown was highlighted by her poise, confidence, and eloquence during the question-and-answer round. Her ability to inspire, coupled with a stunning national costume inspired by Philippine folklore, won the admiration of both judges and audiences.
Support poured in for Manalo online as fans celebrated her victory across social media platforms. She expressed gratitude to her supporters and pledged to use her reign to promote Filipino culture and empower women globally.
As the newly crowned queens prepare to carry the Philippine flag in their respective international pageants, excitement continues to build among Filipino pageant enthusiasts. The Philippines, known for its passionate pageant culture, looks forward to seeing its representatives shine on the global stage once again.
With new queens ready to make their mark, the Miss Universe Philippines 2025 coronation not only crowned beauty but also celebrated the strength, resilience, and pride of the Filipino spirit.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.