As the anticipation for Miss Universe builds, Miss Universe Philippines 2025 Ahtisa Manalo and her team have wasted no time starting their preparations.
Through an exclusive Instagram interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal), Ahtisa's stylist Patty Yap revealed their early efforts for the pageant's 74th edition scheduled to happen in Thailand on November 2025.
"Mood boards are already underway," confirmed Patty, who has also begun researching styles and curating inspiration for the Philippine bet.
She told PEP through direct messaging (published as is): "We’ve been studying past winning looks, trends in global runways, and also taking into account what sets Ahtisa apart.
"We’re mapping out different style personas for her, from glam goddess to modern Filipina to soft warrior queen, so we can show range while maintaining a cohesive identity.
"We’re planning with intention, knowing how fierce the international competition will be."
Though still in the early stages, Patty envisions a wardrobe that will primarily showcase Filipino creatives.
But, of course, they are also open to incorporating designs from Thai and other Southeast Asian designers into Ahtisa's Miss Universe wardrobe.
Patty said: "Thailand has an incredibly rich and innovative fashion scene, and we’re already in touch with a few Southeast Asian designers who we feel align with Ahtisa’s aesthetic.
"We want to showcase regional collaboration and cultural exchange, while still highlighting Filipino talent as the core.
"Strategic collaborations could help amplify her presence on the global stage not just through clothes, but through storytelling."
ON COLLABORATION WITH AHTISA MANALO
What is it like working with Ahtisa?
The celebrity stylist said she appreciates the beauty queen's active role in making her fashion choices, noting that she knows what she wants but remains open to trying new styles and stepping out of her comfort zone.
"It’s a very collaborative process with Ahtisa.
"She absolutely comes in with strong idea. she knows what works for her body, what aligns with her personal brand, and how she wants to be perceived onstage.
"But at the same time, she trusts the creative team and is always open to being styled in ways that might push her comfort zone slightly but still stay true to her essence.
"It’s really a partnership.
"We bounce ideas back and forth, and every final look is the result of constant feedback, fittings, and refinement. She’s very hands-on in the best way."
The result: Ahtisa bringing back her Barbie aesthetic—dubbed the "monyeka" look by fans—during the Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) pageant activities.
Patty elaborated: "We went back to roots with the styling. We used the same formula that made people love her in the first place for Miss Universe Philippines 2025, the 'Barbie' look, the mestiza vibe.
"I always tell Ahtisa, 'Love your own skin.' And when it came to the MUPH activities, we kept things more toned down this time.
"For me, those flashy outfits during activities are really more for the fans.
"We focused our energy on the prelims and finals, that was our strategy this time around."
It was an intentional move for the styling and glam teams to make Ahtisa look "more mature, bold, and modern."
Patty revealed: "In Binibining Pilipinas and Miss International, she projected a softer, more classic Filipina beauty sweet, delicate, and graceful, which matched the more traditional styling expectations of those pageants.
"For MUPH 2025, we’ve elevated her overall look to reflect a more powerful, global-ready queen, sharper silhouettes, bolder makeup, and more high-fashion elements in both glam and wardrobe.
"It’s still authentically her, but with stronger presence and edge that aligns with the Miss Universe brand."
ON AHTISA MANALO'S FASHION MOMENTS
When asked about her favorite fashion moments of Ahtisa, Patty immediately mentioned the Val Taguba gown the beauty queen wore during the long gown competition
"It was timeless, yet incredibly modern in its construction.
"The color perfectly complemented her skin tone, and the silhouette was sleek yet regal.
"There was a subtle risk in the minimalism of the design, but it paid off because the focus remained on her poise and face.
"That gown was a moment, it felt like the culmination of her evolution as a queen."
In addition, Patty was especially captivated by Ahtisa's iridescent gown, custom-designed by Filipino designer Mak Tumang for the Miss Cosmo 2024 pageant.
Mak is also the visionary behind Catriona Gray's renowned "Lava Gown" for Miss Universe 2018.
Ahtisa's gown, reminiscent of the galaxy, beautifully complemented the Miss Cosmo pageant's "cosmic" theme.
Patty recalled, "My favorite fashion moment of Ahtisa was the final gown she wore during Miss Cosmo in Vietnam, designed by Mak Tumang.
"That’s when I saw that she could carry absolutely anything. Imagine a gown with no lining, just Swarovski crystals attached to tulle.
"It was basically a revealing gown, because that was the concept. It was meant to look like she was naked, wrapped only in stars. It was a cosmic gown."
While the dress received mixed reactions, the celebrity stylist was personally satisfied with the outcome.
"For me, that look became iconic. And the public reaction was really divided some loved it, some didn’t.
"But honestly, I didn’t care, because you can’t please everyone. That’s what I love about Ahtisa she fully trusts all my ideas."
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