Ahtisa Manalo at 74th Miss Universe : How Her National Costume Moved Me as a Filipino

Today marks the much-anticipated National Costume Competition and Preliminary Round of the 74th Miss Universe, held in the vibrant and lively country of Thailand. As always, the Philippines—known for being one of the strongest contenders in global pageantry—waited with breathless excitement to witness what our pride, Maria Ahtisa Manalo, had prepared for this iconic segment. The show began promptly at 2 PM, hosted by the radiant R’Bonney Nola, Miss Universe 2023 and a woman with Filipino heritage—making the moment feel even more special.

One by one, the candidates showcased their national costumes, all equally beautiful and confidently prepared. But when it was finally time for our very own Pambansang Manika, Ahtisa Manalo, the energy shifted. It felt as though every Filipino watching—whether in Thailand or back home—held their breath in unison.

And then Ahtisa stepped onto the stage.

She emerged in a breathtaking creation by Mak Tumang, the same genius behind Catriona Gray’s iconic 2018 Lava Gown. The moment I saw her, a wave of pride washed over me—familiar, deep, and unmistakably Filipino.

Her national costume, titled “Cherished Tradition,” felt like a love letter to our culture. Ahtisa embodied the Festival Queen: a living symbol of beauty, grace, and joyful celebration—an image that instantly resonated with the spirit of every Filipino fiesta.

The foundation of her ensemble paid homage to the timeless traje de mestiza: the bell-shaped camisa sleeves, the elegant saya, and the modest pañuelo gently draped across her shoulders. It was a modern tribute to María Clara, the iconic heroine of José Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere—the epitome of the dalagang Filipina: refined, dignified, virtuous. Seeing Ahtisa in that silhouette felt like watching our history and identity come alive.

Crafted from hand-embroidered piña, the costume honored one of the Philippines’ most exquisite and historically rich textiles. Every delicate pineapple fiber, every stitch, seemed to whisper the devotion of generations of Filipino artisans. The natural glow of the fabric reflected what I’ve always believed the Filipina spirit to be—resilient, luminous, and deeply rooted in heritage.

Then came the skirt—an explosion of culture, joy, and meaning. It wasn’t merely a garment; it was a moving festival, celebrating:

• The Giant Lantern Festival of Pampanga, lighting up the world’s longest Christmas season with hope and unity
• The Pahiyas Festival of Lucban, a cascade of vibrant colors honoring gratitude and abundant harvest
• The Panagbenga Festival of Baguio, bringing the fragrance and beauty of our beloved blooms to life

As each color shimmered under the stage lights, I felt as if she was carrying the entire Filipino spirit with her—our fiestas, our creativity, our warmth, our faith, our identity.

Watching her walk, I didn’t just see a national costume.
I saw home.

Ahtisa’s every step felt like a celebration of who we are as a people. She moved with the brilliance of a thousand lanterns, the generosity of Filipino hospitality, and the graceful silhouette of María Clara. In that moment, she wasn’t just representing the Philippines—she became the Philippines.

And as a Filipino watching from afar, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride, connection, and gratitude. Her performance reminded me that no matter where Miss Universe is held, no matter how global the stage, our culture will always shine vividly, unapologetically, and beautifully.

Ahtisa didn’t just wear a national costume…
She carried our history, our artistry, and our heart.

And she made me proud to be Filipino, she made me proud to be Quezonian.

As the image of Ahtisa fades from the screen of my laptop, the pride and joy swelling in my chest slowly turn into something heavier—something that aches. Seeing her embody the beauty, grace, and soul of the Philippines reminds me of how breathtaking our country truly is. The Pearl of the Orient Seas deserves to shine, to flourish, to be cherished. Yet the reality that greets me the moment the screen goes dark is the bitter truth that our nation—so rich in culture, talent, and hope—is being dragged down by a monstrous government that continues to ruin it piece by piece. It hurts, deeply, to witness such beauty on the Miss Universe stage while knowing that back home, the very essence of what makes us proud is being tainted by greed, incompetence, and corruption. The contrast is infuriating. A country as beautiful as ours should not be suffering this way.