Ahtisa Manalo is a name on the rise—not just in the world of pageantry, but as a symbol of perseverance, intelligence, and heartfelt advocacy.
Born in Candelaria, Quezon, she overcame early challenges and carved her path both on stage and in business. In 2025, she was crowned Miss Universe Philippines, a crowning moment that marked the culmination of years of hard work, ambition, and personal growth.
In this detailed biography, we’ll explore Ahtisa’s early life, pageant career, business ventures, and her advocacies. Whether you’re a fan, journalist, or simply curious, this post provides an in-depth look at how she became one of the Philippines’ most compelling beauty queens today.
Profile Data
- Full Name: Ma. Ahtisa Manalo
- Stage Name: Ahtisa Manalo
- Born: May 25, 1997
- Birthplace: Candelaria, Quezon, Philippines
- Nationality: Filipino
- Occupation: Model, beauty pageant titleholder, entrepreneur
- Height: 173 cm (5′8″)
- Parents: Her mother is Filipino-Spanish; her biological father is Finnish-Swedish, though they are estranged.
- Children: — (no public information)
- Relationship: She has said she and her biological father “speak occasionally,” but there is no established relationship.
- Net Worth: Estimated at US$1.83 million
Early Life & Background
Maria Ahtisa Manalo was born on May 25, 1997, in Candelaria, Quezon, Philippines. Her heritage is diverse and rich: her mother is Filipino-Spanish, while her biological father is Finnish-Swedish. Named after her father—Ahti, in Finnish—her name Ahtisa reflects that Scandinavian connection.
However, her upbringing was largely shaped by her grandmother. Raised by her lola, she relied on her godfather’s support to finish her education. This family setup influenced her character—humble, grounded, and deeply motivated.
Education
Ahtisa pursued her higher education at the Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy. Her choice of degree was strategic: accounting gave her a solid foundation not just for numbers, but for business.
Early Pageantry Journey
Ahtisa’s pageant journey began unusually early, at just 10 years old, when she joined local pageants to support her education. Growing up, pageantry wasn’t just a hobby — it was a practical way to lift her family and invest in her future.
In 2017, she competed in Reyna ng Aliwan, representing Quezon’s Niyogyugan Festival, and placed as second runner-up.
National Pageant Success
Her big national break came in 2018 during Binibining Pilipinas, where she won the title Binibining Pilipinas International. This win allowed her to represent the Philippines internationally.
International Pageants & Pageant Setbacks
- Miss International 2018: Ahtisa represented the Philippines in Miss International 2018 in Tokyo and placed 1st runner-up.
- Miss Universe Philippines 2020: She tried for Miss Universe Philippines in 2020 but withdrew due to health reasons, prioritizing her well-being.
- Miss Universe Philippines 2024: She made a strong comeback, finishing as second runner-up.
- Miss Cosmo 2024: After 2024’s national pageant, Ahtisa was appointed Miss Cosmo Philippines 2024. She represented the country in the inaugural Miss Cosmo pageant in Vietnam, finishing in the Top 10. She also won the People’s Choice Award and was named Miss Cosmo Tourism Ambassador.
Crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2025
On May 2, 2025, Ahtisa Manalo was crowned Miss Universe Philippines at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. She beat 65 other candidates to win, a testament to her resilience and grit. This victory makes her the Philippines’ official representative for Miss Universe 2025.
Business & Entrepreneurial Ventures
Aside from her pageant career, Ahtisa is also a savvy entrepreneur:
- She co-owns Cafe Noun and Call Me Harris, two cafes in Australia.
- She also helped bring the Australian yogurt drink brand Koomi to the Philippines.
- Beyond that, she’s involved in food brands like Oh My Greek and Zig Foods, helping expand them in the Philippines.
Personality & Advocacy
Ahtisa’s public persona reflects both strength and vulnerability:
- LGBTQ+ Ally: She is vocal about gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights, citing her personal connections to the LGBTQ+ community as part of her motivation.
- Gaming Enthusiast: Surprisingly for a beauty queen, she loves video games—she once admitted to playing Hogwarts Legacy for three straight days, skipping sleep and food.
- Tribute to Her Grandmother: Her grandmother, who raised her, passed away before her coronation. Ahtisa has dedicated much of her journey and her 2025 win to her memory.
Challenges & Personal Struggles
Ahtisa’s life hasn’t been without hardship:
- She has spoken publicly about the absence of her biological father, saying she felt unworthy or that she was the reason he left.
- Her early years were marked by financial constraints, relying on her godfather’s support to stay in school.
- Her 2020 bid for Miss Universe Philippines was derailed by health issues, showing that even successful public figures face personal battles.
Awards, Titles & Achievements
| Year | Title / Achievement |
|---|---|
| 2018 | Binibining Pilipinas International (winner) |
| 2018 | Miss International – 1st Runner-up |
| 2024 | Miss Universe Philippines – 2nd Runner-up |
| 2024 | Miss Cosmo Philippines – Top 10, People’s Choice, Tourism Ambassador |
| 2025 | Miss Universe Philippines – Winner |
Future & Vision
With her title as Miss Universe Philippines 2025, Ahtisa is set to represent the country at Miss Universe 2025. Beyond pageantry, she remains committed to her entrepreneurial work and her advocacy for youth empowerment, gender equality, and LGBTQ+ rights. She has expressed that pageantry is her “vessel for greater things”—not just for winning crowns, but for making an impact.
FAQs
Q: Where is Ahtisa Manalo from?
A: She is from Candelaria, Quezon, Philippines.
Q: What is her education background?
A: She has a BSc in Accountancy from Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation.
Q: What pageant titles has she won?
A: She won Binibining Pilipinas International 2018 and Miss Universe Philippines 2025.
Q: Has she represented the Philippines in international pageants?
A: Yes — she was 1st runner-up at Miss International 2018, and competed in Miss Cosmo 2024 (Top 10).
Q: What businesses does she run?
A: She co-owns Cafe Noun and Call Me Harris in Australia, and helped bring the yogurt drink brand Koomi to the Philippines.
Q: What causes does she advocate for?
A: She supports LGBTQ+ rights, gender equality, and youth development.
Q: Why did she join pageants so early?
A: She started competing at age 10 to help support her education and her family.
Conclusion
Ahtisa Manalo’s journey is truly inspiring—a young woman from Quezon who turned challenge into opportunity, turning pageants into a platform for change. From walking in local pageants as a child to earning the Miss Universe Philippines 2025 crown, her story is a testament to perseverance, grit, and heart. She’s more than just a beauty queen: she’s a businesswoman, a passionate advocate, and a beacon of hope for many.
As she steps onto the Miss Universe 2025 stage, her legacy is already written in her resilience and her commitment. Whatever the outcome, Ahtisa Manalo is set to leave a lasting impact on pageantry—and beyond.