Ahtisa Manalo Embodies the Festival Queen with Her Miss Universe 2025 National Costume
The beauty queen in Mak Tumang paid tribute to three of the Philippines' most festive celebrations.
by Em Enriquez
Published on Nov 19, 2025
Bangkok is abuzz as the 74th edition of the Miss Universe pageant takes place. This November 19, delegates embodied the essence of their hometowns during the much-anticipated National Costume competition. Proudly waving the Philippine flag was none other than Quezon province native Ahtisa Manalo. For her entry, she embodied the country's festive spirit in a larger-than-life Mak Tumang look.
The Details of Ahtisa Manalo's Miss Universe 2025 National Costume
Ahtisa swayed onto the stage in a vibrant version of the traje de mestiza. Made from hand-woven piña and adorned with symbols of the abanico and palay, she aimed to emulate the colorfulness of the Philippines and its celebratory spirit. A tiered ballgown skirt crafted out of 65,000 petals, it takes inspiration from three major festivals: the Pahiyas festival of Lucban, the Giant Lantern parade of Pampanga, and the blooming Panagbenga of Baguio.
"Crowned with a reimagined peineta, she becomes the festival itself—carrying the glow of lanterns, the joy of our fiestas, and the enduring elegance of the Filipina onto the Miss Universe stage," the organization waxes about her look.
As known by many, the Filipiniana-inspired silhouette is a reference to Maria Clara, one of the most beloved figures of local literature. True to Ahtisa's persona and visuals, she wears the garment as a way to honor the "virtuous, modest, and dignified" roots of the Filipina. Beyond paying homage, the costume is an embodiment of Pinoy resilience, as represented by its liberal use of local textiles and the arduous processes that went into crafting it together.
"Each thread speaks of patience and pride, echoing centuries of tradition passed down through skilled hands," Ahtisa waxes. "The natural sheen of piña reflects the luster of the Filipina: resilient, radiant, and rooted in her heritage."
The beauty queen dubs herself "the living festival of the Philippines" and presents herself as a worthy ambassador of Filipino warmth and hospitality. "This costume captures that collective heartbeat, weaving together history, tradition, and festivity into a single, radiant vision," she says.
Download the Miss Universe app to vote for Ahtisa to win the Best National Costume award. The grand coronation night takes place on November 21, 9 p.m. (Philippine time).
Em is queer and probably daydreaming somewhere. They're Preview's associate entertainment editor who's often spotted in cowboy boots and lemon-tinted sunnies.