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AHTISA MANALO HOPES TO EXTEND PHL'S WINNING STREAK IN 'LUCKY' THAILAND
The Philippine Star
|November 11, 2025
Ahtisa Manalo believes that “Thailand is the lucky country,” where the Philippines can win its fifth Miss Universe crown.
Ahtisa believes that Thailand is a 'lucky country for the Philippines to compete in this year,' after Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray and Miss Grand International 2025 Emma Tiglao were crowned in Thailand. Photo shows the country's bet with the reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjaer Theilvig of Denmark. - PHOTOS FROM THE MUFPH FACEBOOK PAGE
Catriona Gray was the last Philippine bet who was crowned Miss Universe 2018 in Thailand. Last month, Emma Tiglao scored a back-to-back victory for the Philippines at the Miss Grand International 2025, also held in Thailand.
“Yes, I believe in luck and destiny. And I really do think that Thailand is the lucky country for the Philippines to compete in this year,” Ahtisa stated during her sendoff mediacon, organized by the Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH), at the Citadines Millennium Ortigas Manila.
All eyes are on Ahtisa as she competes in the 74th Miss Universe pageant, alongside more than 100 contestants from around the world. The coronation night will be held on Nov. 21 at the Impact Challenger Hall in Pak Kret, Nonthaburi, Thailand.
Armed with her “human Barbie” charm, confidence and poise, the beauty queen from Quezon Province has emerged as a standout during the pre-pageant activities and been listed by pageant websites among the top contenders for the international crown.
A Thai food lover herself, Ahtisa learned a few Thai words and phrases prior to flying to Thailand as part of her pageant preparations.
Last September, Ahtisa traveled to Thailand to serve as one of the hosts for the Mister International 2025 pageant, where Kirk Bondad of the Philippines brought home the title.
“They’re very warm, just like Filipinos. They're very accommodating, and all of them are excited to meet someone from the Philippines,” Ahtisa described her experience with the Thai fans.
This story is from the November 11, 2025 edition of The Philippine Star.
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