AHTISA MANALO IS BATTLE-READY FOR MISS U

It's not even November yet, but the buzz is already deafening.

- MJ MARFORI

Ahtisa Manalo, our newly crowned Miss Universe Philippines, is locked, loaded, and battle-ready to take on the universe. And she's not just planning to compete. She's planning to win.

We lengthily sat down with Ahtisa twice this week, and her energy and drive proved contagious. Mind you, she wasn't 100-percent physically ready, but her mental game exceeded it. Ahtisa lost her voice and regained it just in time for the coronation night and media rounds.

When Ahtisa snatched the crown in a show-stopping finale at SM Mall of Asia Arena, she was poised, polished, and unapologetically powerful—you would not think she was feeling under the weather.

After three tries and a whole lot of growth, grit, and glow-ups, the third time's truly the charm for Ahtisa. From Quezon province to the global stage, she's bringing a new kind of fire—one that's calm, confident, and laser-focused.

We asked her what she did differently this time around. "I made sure I was less (pressured) in my head," Ahtisa shared in our exclusive interview.

"The thing with me is I try to aim for perfection, and that does not exist...but I still try and I overthink. This year, I am just in the moment. I made sure I knew I was having fun."