Ahtisa Manalo credits late grandmother for Miss Universe Philippines 2025 win

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MANILA, Philippines — Miss Universe Philippines 2025 Ahtisa Manalo did not grow up with privilege in Candelaria, Quezon Province. It was her lola (grandmother) and ninong (godfather) who sent her to school. Sadly, her beloved lola passed away early this year. Still, Ahtisa’s love for her lola is overflowing. 

Now that Ahtisa finally wears the crown after so many tries, Ahtisa fondly recalled her beloved lola at the recent victory press conference for her and her fellow Miss Universe Philippines 2025 queens. 

“I feel like, through my heart, if it makes sense, I speak to her a lot. Because a lot of the way I am is because of her. It's because of how she raised me. And I just want to, like more than anything, I'm grateful that even though she had passed from this world, she's still with me. And she pushed me to go for my dreams. And I'll forever remember her.

“And forever, she'll be in my heart,” Ahtisa said. 

Ahtisa will be representing the Philippines at the 74th Miss Universe coronation night in Thailand in November. 

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