Time finally caught up with the crown.
Miss Universe Philippines 2025 Ahtisa Manalo ended her reign on May 2, 2026, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, returning to the stage one last time before handing the title to her successor.
Read: Ahtisa Manalo's evening gown at Miss Universe 2025 coronation
DETAILS OF AHTISA’S FINAL WALK GOWN
Ahtisa stepped out in a rich, jewel-toned raspberry red ballgown by Val Taguba, the same designer behind her Miss Universe 2025 coronation night gown.
The gown features a structured sweetheart neckline.
The bodice is densely beaded, corset-like in construction, cinching the waist before releasing into a dramatically full skirt.
From the waist down, the silhouette opens into a voluminous A-line with a long, sweeping train that trails behind her.
The fabric is heavily glittered, so it catches light from every angle without looking patchy or uneven.
A high slit cuts through the fullness on one side, allowing leg exposure and movement.
Her hair is styled in a center part with soft and controlled waves.
For Ahtisa’s make-up, her eyes are done in neutral warm tones, softly blended with enough shimmer to catch light.
A rosy nude lip balances the intensity of the gown, while a subtle blush and highlight keep her face dimensional on stage.
Read: Ahtisa Manalo reacts to sexualization, objectification of women
AHTISA MANALO’S FAREWELL SPEECH
Ahtisa’s wrapped up her journey with a speech, where she emphasized that while the Miss Universe dream was deeply personal, it eventually grew into a responsibility that extended beyond herself.
“It was always one of the dreams to be Miss Universe. It wasn't the only dream, but it is a dream of mine.
“It feels so embedded in my life that it’s hard to just pull that experience and quantify what I learned from it because it has been there for 18 years of my life.”
She went on to define the shift from personal ambition to public duty.
“After a while, when I stepped on the national stage, I realized that I have more responsibility, more than just to myself. Ever since then, I thought that, okay, I have to be an example and I have to serve as a symbol of something.
“I've always thought that my life experiences, being hardworking, being persistent, is something that I could show people that with these values, when you know what you're fighting for and when you know what you want to achieve, hard work, patience, persistence, these are the things that can make your dream come true.”
Ahtisa also acknowledged that her reign was not an individual effort. She thanked the organization, her team, and supporters.
“Having the back-up of the Miss Universe Philippines organization, it helps to know that your organization is behind you all the way, na hindi lang ikaw yung lumalaban.
“Everyone lumalaban, the Filipino fans, the organization, the people who are working behind the scenes, ang the representation of the Philippines.
“Ako lang yung nasa stage, pero there are so many people behind what you see who work for me to be Miss Universe Philippines. And it's about them as much as it's about me.”
A significant portion of her speech was dedicated to expressing gratitude, where she named key figures from the Miss Universe Philippines organization, creatives, stylists, trainers, and her personal support system.
“I wouldn't have done all of this without all of you. And this journey is about you as much as it is about me. And I'm forever grateful for that...
“Of course, to my Ahtistahins, all of this is for you. Thank you for the love, the patience, and the belief in me.
“Throughout the years, kahit paulit-ulit na yung pagsali ko, never kong naramdaman na iniwan niyo ako.”
She closed her speech by addressing future candidates, offering grounded advice on navigating the pageant experience.
“To the next generation of Filipina beauty queens, be ready. It's gonna be a beautiful journey.
“You're gonna learn a lot about yourself. You're gonna learn so much about other people as well who surround you. Just remember that your journey is your own.
“Remember to be present in every moment, no matter how hard that is. And it's gonna be really hard when you're tired and you have so many things in your mind that you're worrying about and thinking of.
“Surround yourself with the right people, the people who lift you up, the people who make you feel good about yourself. And stand proudly when you're on the Miss Universe stage.
“Remember, you’re carrying the hopes, the stories, and the beauty of the Filipino people.
“We all have our own stories. We all have our own perfect timings. And winning or losing won't really define who you are and who you're gonna be in the future.
“Only you can define your own story.”
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