
After her performance on the Miss Universe 2025 stage, Ahtisa Manalo has finally returned home to the Philippines.
The Pinay beauty queen was greeted with a warm welcome from excited fans upon her arrival from Bangkok, Thailand. Despite landing at the airport early in the morning, Ahtisa was welcomed by her supporters who eagerly gathered to show their love, admiration, and Pinoy pride.
"Thank you, thank you. Lalo sa mga nandito, umaga na," the beauty queen said to the crowd. "Salamat sa paghihintay n'yo kahit ganitong oras. Salamat sa support, pagmamahal, tiwala, sa lahat. Sana continue pa kahit hindi na ako sa pageant, continue pa rin 'yung support n'yo sa akin."
Aside from placing in the Top 5, Ahtisa also earned a major achievement with her Beyond the Crown advocacy video. Her entry centered on youth empowerment and leadership development secured 3rd place in the competition.
Amid the celebrations, Ahtisa addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding this year's pageant results.
" Whatever the result is, we have to accept it, that's what the organization announced out there," she stated.
The beauty queen also expressed her reflections online, sharing how fulfilled she felt after reaching the end of her pageant journey.
"After 18 years, I have finally arrived at my ultimate destination that is to represent the Philippines in the Miss Universe stage. My pageant journey may end, but the work continues. Let's continue fighting for what we want —a better Philippines and a better universe," she wrote.
Ahtisa finished as 3rd runner-up, while Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch was crowned Miss Universe 2025.
Throughout the pageant, the Pinay beauty queen received overwhelming support from fans, especially during the question-and-answer portion.
Before the Miss Universe coronation, Ahtisa also topped the Most Beautiful People category in the online voting.
Meanwhile, get a closer look to Ahtisa Manalo's pageant journey in this gallery: