“May pa-Fiesta si Ahtisa!!!”
Such were the comments from Filipinos on the national costume worn by Philippine bet Ahtisa Manalo at the Miss Universe 2025 competition, where she showcased an ensemble inspired by the country’s grand fiestas.
The Quezon beauty quickly gained attention after fellow Filipinos saw her attire, designed by Mak Tumang, the renowned Filipino designer who also created Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray’s iconic lava gown.
Ahtisa’s costume showcased the vibrant spirit of the Filipino fiesta, featuring a flamboyant full skirt with design elements inspired by festivals like the Giant Lantern Festival, Pahiyas and Panagbenga.
The upper ensemble, meanwhile, echoes the traje de mestiza, which later evolved into the modern terno, the Philippines’ national dress.
ALSO READ: ‘Festival of the Philippines’: Mak Tumang’s vision Ahtisa Manalo’s Miss Universe national costume
Ahtisa’s look quickly garnered attention during the National Costume presentation as part of the pageant’s preliminaries.
A picture of Ahtisa on stage, posted on the official Miss Universe Facebook page, has garnered 48,000 likes and reactions, 2,500 shares, and 1,600 comments.
“May pa-Fiesta si Ahtisa!!! Napakaganda!!” a Pinoy exclaimed, sharing a snippet of Ahtisa’s performance.
“ATAKE SI AHTISA!! So happy na Filipiniaña-inspired NatCos niya, not a mythical one, SOBRANG GANDA MO, LALA NG FACE CARD NI ATECCO [ATE KO], sa mukha talaga naka-focus ang camera, OMG!” another commented.
“DINALA NI MARENG AHTISA ANG FIESTA SA NATIONAL COSTUME COMPETITION!!!! T*N*INA DYOSAAAA!!!” another wrote.
“SHE IS THE MOMENT!!! The concept, the execution, the presentation! Perfection!” a different Pinoy said.
“Another Mak Tumang masterpiece graced the Miss Universe stage! Ahtisa Manalo’s NatCos is chef’s kiss! Finally, a festival queen costume representation on international stage!!!” another said.
“The magic of THE Mak Tumang and the ethereal beauty of the one and only Ahtisa Manalo just gave us a masterpiece. Isang National Costume na sumasalamin sa kulay, ritmo at puso ng ating mga fiesta. Ang ganda talaga ng NatCos natin this year!” a different Pinoy wrote.
Miss Universe Philippines announced that Filipinos can support Ahtisa by voting for her as Best in National Costume through the Miss Universe app.
“Parang fiesta ng Pilipinas ang Impact Challenger 2 — punong-puno ng saya, sigaw, at suporta ng mga Pilipino,” the MUPH said.
“Let’s keep the pride shining. Vote for the PHILIPPINES and let’s make history again for Best in National Costume!” it added.
Ahtisa is competing for the Philippines’ fifth Miss Universe crown, with the coronation set to take place in Thailand on Friday, November 21.
RELATED: Miss Universe Philippines calls on Filipinos to support Ahtisa Manalo
