THE STAGE IGNITES AT MISS UNIVERSE 2025 AS AHTISA MANALO SHINES IN NATIONAL COSTUME – IS THERE A HIDDEN MESSAGE BEHIND HER OUTFIT? FIND OUT NOW!

The Miss Universe 2025 stage in Thailand just got hotter as Ahtisa Manalo from the Philippines set the runway ablaze during the national costume segment of the prestigious pageant. But this wasn’t just any performance—it was a vivid, emotional, and historically rich celebration of Filipino culture that had the audience on their feet.

Ahtisa, already known for her grace and poise, stunned everyone with a national costume that wasn’t just beautiful but carried a much deeper meaning. What was it that made her outfit so powerful? And could it possibly have been a sly dig at some of her competitors? Let’s dig deeper into what really happened.

A Stunning National Costume That Took the Spotlight

Ahtisa’s costume, named “Festejada: Queen of Philippine Festivals,” was a masterpiece created by the renowned Filipino designer, Mak Tumang. This is the same designer who created the iconic “lava gown” worn by Catriona Gray during her historic win in 2018. With his return, Tumang has once again proven that he’s not just a designer—he’s an artist with a passion for weaving cultural heritage into his work.

Ahtisa’s costume was nothing short of breathtaking. She wore a flesh-colored Filipiniana top made from hand-embroidered piña fabric, with bell sleeves and a panuelo, which is a nod to the traje de mestiza—an enduring symbol of the ideal Filipina, characterized by grace, humility, and beauty. But it didn’t stop there. The skirt—an extraordinary feat of design—was inspired by some of the most iconic festivals in the Philippines: Pahiyas, Panagbenga, and the Giant Lantern Festival. Every petal of her skirt was hand-cut, die-cut, and heat-pressed, sewn together one by one. This intricate craftsmanship was a testament to the dedication, artistry, and rich culture of the Philippines.

Her accessories were also nothing short of dazzling. A green and gold headpiece, along with gold jewelry adorned with colorful beads, symbolized abundance, joy, and the Filipino identity. In her Instagram post, Ahtisa shared that her costume was “a living symbol of beauty, grace, and cultural pride.”

Social Media Erupts: Filipinos Go Wild for Ahtisa’s Costume

 

The Filipino community went into a frenzy as soon as Ahtisa’s costume made its appearance on stage. The response was immediate and overwhelming. “Ahtisa brought the fiesta!” shouted netizens, while others declared, “This is the true queen of the festivals!” Memes quickly spread across social media, comparing Ahtisa’s national costume to past Filipino queens and their outfits. And, it wasn’t just praise for her appearance—many felt that her costume represented something greater. “I’M YOU, BUT BETTER,” some fans cheekily wrote, acknowledging her standout moment on the international stage.

But Ahtisa’s costume was more than just an aesthetic spectacle—it was a statement. A statement that the Philippines is rich in culture, history, and art, and that each festival is not just a celebration, but an acknowledgement of our roots. It conveyed that the Filipina can wear beauty, grace, and dignity before the world. Ahtisa wasn’t just vying for the crown at Miss Universe 2025. She was striving for global recognition of the Filipino spirit.

More Than Just Beauty: The Message Behind the Costume

 

What sets Ahtisa’s costume apart from the rest is its deep, meaningful symbolism. It’s a celebration of the Philippines’ festivals, each one a tribute to the vibrant culture that has survived centuries of challenges and triumphs. The festival-inspired design is a clever and artistic representation of unity, joy, and resilience—qualities that are intrinsic to the Filipino people.

Each component of Ahtisa’s costume— from the intricate floral patterns to the vibrant colors—was carefully chosen to highlight the country’s cultural richness. It wasn’t just a display of fabric and beads; it was a tribute to every Filipino celebration, from the Pahiyas Festival in Lucban to the colorful Panagbenga in Baguio, and the awe-inspiring Giant Lantern Festival in Pampanga. The Philippines is a country where festivals are woven into the very fabric of daily life, and Ahtisa’s outfit brought this essence to the global stage.

Her choice to wear a costume representing Filipino festivals was a proud declaration to the world that the Philippines’ cultural heritage is not just beautiful—it’s a defining part of our identity. Through her costume, she invited people everywhere to look deeper into the significance of our festivals and the stories they tell.

Ahtisa’s Journey: Representing the Philippines on a Global Stage

 

Ahtisa’s appearance at Miss Universe 2025 was not just about the crown. It was about making a statement that the Philippines is a force to be reckoned with, not just in beauty but in culture and spirit. She demonstrated that beauty contests are not just about appearances—they’re a platform to elevate what is important: heritage, pride, and identity.

With her emotional, yet stunning, national costume, Ahtisa has captured the hearts of many Filipinos, and her journey is not just about winning a title, but about inspiring others to be proud of their culture. She has set an example for young Filipinas everywhere, showing them that they too can carry their heritage with pride and confidence.

What’s Next for Ahtisa? Will She Make It to the Top?

As Miss Universe 2025 progresses, everyone is eagerly awaiting what comes next for Ahtisa. Will she make it to the top finalists? Her national costume was an undeniable showstopper, but we all know that the road to victory at Miss Universe requires more than just a stunning outfit. However, there’s one thing that’s already clear: Ahtisa has captured the hearts of her fellow Filipinos, and in the eyes of many, she’s already a winner.

Her victory in the national costume segment is more than just an accolade—it’s a triumph for the Philippines and the Filipino spirit. She has represented not just the beauty of the nation, but its history, culture, and values.

Conclusion: Ahtisa Manalo, The Queen of Festivals

 

No matter the outcome of the pageant, Ahtisa Manalo has already made her mark as the true queen of the festivals. With her stunning national costume, she has shown the world what it means to be Filipina—proud, graceful, and unwavering in the celebration of one’s roots. Her message is clear: beauty comes in many forms, but cultural pride is always in fashion.

Stay tuned, because Ahtisa’s journey is far from over, and the world is about to see more of what this incredible Filipina has to offer.