LOOK: Ahtisa Manalo channels her inner festival queen at the Miss Universe national costume competition
Ahtisa Manalo is bringing the festivities to the Miss Universe stage!
During the National Costume competition held on Nov. 19, Manalo wore a costume by Mak Tumang that captures the Filipinos' spirit of celebration.
"Our Miss Universe Philippines Ahtisa Manalo steps onto the world stage carrying the heart of every Filipino celebration. Festejada is a reminder that our culture is not just worn — it is lived, shared, and carried with pride," Miss Universe Philippines wrote.
Manalo wore a classic camisa, saya, and a pañuelo that draped across her shoulders.
Her top is made from hand-made piña and has an embroidery pattern of abanico and palay.
Manalo’s skirt—which was made from dyed fabric adorned with hand-cut, die-cut, and heat-pressed petals, more than 65,000 petals—is a tribute to three iconic Philippine festivals. Its three-tiered structure took inspiration from Pampanga's Giant Lantern Festival, featuring parol elements like the Tambur, Siku-Siku, and Palimbun. The vivid color scheme reflects the Pahiyas Festival of Lucban, while the texturized flourishes evoke the floral blooms of Baguio’s Panagbenga Festival.
To complete her look, she wore a Peineta crown that is "adorned with tambourine and filigree-inspired gold accessories, mirroring the opulence of traditional Philippine jewelry and the artistry of our goldsmithing heritage."
In the post, MUPH asked fans to show support for the Philippine representative by voting for her as the Best National Costume.
How to vote:
- Download the Miss Universe app on Apple Store or Google Play Store.
- Buy votes or watch ads to get free votes.
- Vote for the Philippines on the Best In National category and other categories that will be seen on the Miss Universe app.
The beauty queen from Quezon Province was named the new MUPh queen last May. She is vying for the Philippines' fifth Miss Universe crown.
The 74th Miss Universe competition will see Victoria Theilvig of Denmark crowning her successor on Nov. 21.