Former Miss Universe titleholders Catriona Gray and Pia Wurtzbach took to social media to share heartfelt messages for Ahtisa Manalo following her performance at this year's Miss Universe pageant held in Thailand on Friday, November 21.
On Instagram Stories, Catriona expressed her pride in Ahtisa, writing: "So proud. We all saw how you left your heart on that stage. Our queen @ahtisa."
Pia also praised Ahtisa's dedication and inspiring journey. "Congratulations Ahtisa!! What an inspirational journey you’ve had and this is just the beginning. Thank you for carrying the Philippines with so much beauty, heart, and purpose. We are so proud of you. This is just the beginning of big things for you.. keep shining!!" she said.
Ahtisa placed 3rd runner-up in this year's pageant. Fatima Bosch of Mexico was crowned Miss Universe 2025.
Rounding out the top 5 were Praveenar Singh of Thailand as first runner-up, Stephany Abasali of Venezuela as second runner-up, and Olivia Yacé of Côte d’Ivoire as fourth runner-up.
During the first question and answer portion of the pageant, Ahtisa was asked by judge Minnie Baloyi: "As a global ambassador or citizen what will be your contribution to humanity?"
The Filipina beauty queen responded: "I come from a very poor background, I started pageants at 10 years old to put myself through school and to lift my family out of poverty."
She went on: "And if there's anything I want to show the universe I'm here right now. I'm standing as Miss Universe, because I was able to get myself out of any situation, because I was hardworking, I was persistent, and I fight for what I want."
In the final question and answer, Ahtisa was asked, "If you win the title of Miss Universe tonight, how would you use this platform to empower young girls?"
She answered: "I work with an organization called Alon Akademie where we work with young people to provide them opportunities to make them realize that it doesn't matter what your life circumstances is, it doesn't define where you will go. And I want to continue working with Alon Akademie in a bigger platform like Miss Universe to pursue making sure that people from low-income backgrounds are given the same opportunities like everyone else."