Ahtisa Manalo took to Instagram to thank the people who helped make her Miss International journey a success.
She began, "My crown and my wholehearted thanks goes to:
"The Filipinos, all over the world, for the love and support.
"Quezonians for cheering me on ever since.
"The Miss International Organization, for giving me a new set of family and a great stay in Japan.
"Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. headed by Mrs Araneta, for giving me the honor of representing the Philippines. Also to Miss Liliana and Sir Gines for taking care of us queens.
"My Aces and Queens team especially Mama J, Mama Ru and Tito Nad, for all the encouragement, training and help.
"The Ahtistahins and my support team, especially Oyelle, Ian, Tim, Dale, Meng and Nico- for being my happy and chill pills.
"Vhee Co and Francis Chee, my stylists, for putting together my looks throughout my stay in Japan. And all the designers that lent me their creations especially Mark Bumgarner, Cheetah Rivera and Rosenthal Tee.
"Amir Sali, for making me a phenomenal traditional costume.
"Michael Cinco, for the impalpable evening dress.
"Jojo Bragais for my pageant shoes.
"Albert Kurniawan, for training me on how to look my best.
"Mama Lourd for giving me the Japanese silky hair.
"Dr. CRB for taking care of my skin. CAD for my smile.
"Tatay Wendell Capili and Doc Gene Navera, for all the lessons and cultural training.
"Tita Lavinia and Tita Belay, for giving me tips on how to transform to a social media butterfly.
"My family for always being so understanding and supportive.
"And to everyone who believed in me, supported me and never doubted me, maraming salamat po!"
Ahtisa was first runner-up at the recently-concluded Miss International 2018 grand coronation night in Tokyo, Japan.
Mariem Velazco of Venezuela took home the winning title.
READ: Ahtisa Manalo is first runner-up in Miss International 2018; Venezuela wins crown
Aside from her message, Ahtisa also posted a photo of her first runner-up crown and sash on top of the Philippine flag.
She captioned, "Pilipinas Kong Mahal, binigay ko lahat para sa iyo, lahat lahat.
"Philippines, you were my motivation every step of the way."
READ: Mariel de Leon congratulates Ahtisa Manalo for 1st runner-up finish in Miss International 2018