Quezon Province Gov. Helen Tan extended her congratulations to Philippine bet Ahtisa Manalo, who finished as third runner-up in the Miss Universe 2025 pageant in Thailand.
READ: Ahtisa Manalo finishes as 3rd runner-up at Miss Universe 2025
The governor took to her Facebook page to commend the beauty queen, who previously represented Quezon Province in Miss Universe Philippines before winning the national title and going on to represent the country on the global stage.
“Still our Miss Universe!” Tan wrote with emojis of a crown and a sparkling heart.
“Your 18-year journey is a testament to your courage, determination, and the heart that fuels your advocacy. The whole Quezon province is so proud of you! Mabuhay ka, Ahtisa!” she added.
The governor also shared a more informal post, joking that she felt like having a local alcoholic beverage after the Miss Universe 2025 results.
“Congrats, Ahtisa, mahal ka namin. Ikaw pa rin ang Miss Universe para sa amin. Pero parang gusto ko uminom ng lambanog, kahit isang shot lang,” she wrote with a grimacing face emoji.
Lambanog, a strong coconut wine or coconut vodka primarily produced in Quezon Province, is well-known for its potency.
Meanwhile, Tan’s post has already received 13,000 likes and reactions, over 580 comments, and 664 shares.
“Akala ko ako lang nagulat. Napakadami pala natin,” Tan wrote as a follow-up in the comments section with a weary face emoji.
Ahtisa hails from Candelaria, Quezon, a town known for its thriving coconut industry and vibrant roadside eateries.
She impressed Filipinos with her strong stage presence in Miss Universe 2025, prompting reactions from personalities like Vice Ganda and fellow beauty queen Michelle Dee, who expressed surprise at her placement.
ALSO READ: ‘Miss Nireverse?’: Miss Universe 2025 results baffle Pinoys
Ahtisa, meanwhile, said she feels “happy and content” with her Miss Universe result.
“I’m happy and content. I did my best. That’s all I can do,” she said in an interview, sharing that she poured her 100% into her performances.
The Filipina beauty queen also expressed gratitude to her fellow Filipinos for their support throughout the pageant.
“Things like that happen, that’s out of our control. But, maraming, maraming salamat po sa suporta at sa pagmamahal niyo, and let’s see what’s next for me,” Ahtisa said.
