Crying with Joy! Ahtisa Manalo, Overly Emotional After Prelims; Thanks the ARMY of Filipino NH Supporters

Bangkok, Thailand—The Miss Universe stage is not only a witness to beauty and talent; it is also a place of intense emotions and the indomitable Filipino spirit . After the breathtaking Preliminary Competition of Miss Universe 2025 at the Impact Challenger Hall in Bangkok, Thailand, a video interview revealed the raw and heartfelt feelings of Miss Universe Philippines Ma. Ahtisa Manalo , where she could not help but get emotional due to the outpouring of support and the success of her performance .

The Blowing of Filipino Pride in Bangkok

During the post-preliminary interviews , Ahtisa addressed the Filipino media and vloggers in Thailand. The question was simple but loaded with weight: “ How does it feel to have so many Filipinos cheering for you? ” Ahtisa’s answer was not just words; it was a cascade of tears of happiness and gratitude.

“ Super, super happy, and super supported. Happy, super happy! ” Ahtisa said enthusiastically, while trying to hold back the tears. The arena in Bangkok seemed to have become a mini-Philippines , filled with cheers, Filipino flags , and energy that proved that every step she took was the step of the entire country. The support was so vast and so strong that it was the main reason why her performance was so effortless and beautiful .

The Miss Universe preliminaries —which include swimsuit , evening gown , and national costume —are considered the most important stage before Coronation Night , as it determines entry into the semifinals . Ahtisa’s successful conclusion that night was a huge relief and happiness, especially since she saw firsthand how her competition was supported.

Attention to Detail: The National Costume and the 65,000 Petals

Also not missing from the conversation was Ahtisa’s national costume, the “Festejada” or the “Festival Queen” created by Mak Tumang. This costume became the talk of the town due to its stunning details and the depth of its meaning.

Ahtisa shared the behind-the-scenes effort that went into the national costume , which she called a “thoughtful effort.” The highlight of the discussion was the skirt of the traje de mestiza -inspired dress, which is made up of over 65,000 individual petals .

“We put so much thought, effort into it. Especially Mac and his team. You know those individual petals they made? There’s like 65,000 of that and they individually, you know, have to like stick it and everything to see the effort. Thank you,” emosyonal niyang pahayag.

The 65,000 petals are not just decoration; they symbolize the dedication and Filipino craftsmanship that brought to life the concept of “a nation of fiestas.” Each strand and petal represents the richness of Filipino culture being honored. For pageant fans , this proves that the Philippines always delivers show-stopping national costumes with great historical and cultural value .

Ahtisa admitted that the national costume was really heavy , but it was worth it because of its impact on stage. On the other hand, she clarified that the evening gown she wore was not that heavy, although it was very beautiful and fitting for her stage presence .

The Illumination of the Jewel Piece Gown

Aside from the national costume , her performance in evening gown was also one of the highlights of the night. Her custom-made gown lit up the stage, showcasing her poise and regal aura .

Ahtisa was asked about her evening gown and its concept. “ Very, very excited to showcase of course Filipino design and this one was specifically made for a jewel piece. So I was very happy that, you know, it looked amazing on stage , ” she replied.

Her reference to it as a “jewel piece” demonstrates the high value and craftsmanship that the Filipino designer (who, again, is Mak Tumang) put into its creation, ensuring that Ahtisa will look like a precious gem as she walks .

Ahtisa also revealed about her beauty team . Her hair was done by Cinnamon of Chad Cosmetics , while her makeup was done by herself, but with the guidance and direction of Mama Miki via video call — a modern testament to Filipino Bayanihan in pageantry .

The self-applied makeup and hair with remote guidance is a rare detail that shows Ahtisa’s dedication to her craft and her confidence in her own abilities. That kind of detail shows that Miss Universe is not just a battle of looks , but also of discipline and resourcefulness .

The Wish and Hope: No Hatred, Pure Support

Amidst her joy, Ahtisa expressed hope that everyone enjoyed her performance as much as she enjoyed being on stage. She also mentioned, “No more hates. At least from what we can see.” It was a silent appeal for continued unity and positive vibes from the pageant community .

The match is almost over. At the end of the Preliminaries, Ahtisa Manalo’s fate is in the hands of the judges. Her emotional reaction reminds everyone that despite the glamour , Ahtisa is a Filipina with a big heart and a lot of love for her country. Her performance , along with her national costume and evening gown , set a high bar for the competition.

Now, the entire Philippines is just waiting for Coronation Night , hoping that the “Festival Queen” will bring the crown of honor to the country, proof that the Filipino spirit has endless brilliance and success.