Ahtisa Manalo wowed the crowd at the Miss Universe 2025 national costume show in Thailand with her colorful “Queen of Philippine Festivals” outfit.
The costume, designed by Mak Tumang, was inspired by famous Filipino fiestas like Pampanga’s giant lanterns, Quezon’s Pahiyas Festival, and Baguio’s Panagbenga. It used more than 65,000 hand-made petals and was created using the classic traje de mestiza style and piña fabric.
This costume also honored Ahtisa’s first national pageant, Reyna ng Aliwan, where she once represented Quezon’s Niyogyugan Festival.
Over 120 candidates showed national costumes inspired by animals, flowers, landmarks, culture, and pop icons. The event is not scored, but it remains one of the most awaited parts of Miss Universe.
Voting for Best National Costume is still open through the Miss Universe app. The winner of People’s Choice will get an automatic spot in the semifinals.
The Philippines won the national costume award in 2023 and 2024. The next major round is the preliminary competition tonight, Nov. 19. The finals will happen on Nov. 21, where Ahtisa and other candidates will compete for the crown.
