Ahtisa Manalo looks back at sprained ankle during Miss Cosmo 2024: ‘If anyone would be mad, it has to be me’

Ahtisa Manalo has spoken up about the sprained ankle she suffered during her time on Miss Cosmo 2024, saying she doesn't know why people were mad about the incident.

In an interview on the “Almost Honest” podcast, host and fellow beauty queen Kylie Verzosa asked Ahtisa about the bashing she received for her injury.

“If anyone would be mad, it has to be me,” Ahtisa said. “Like, I’m the one who up until now, can’t really properly walk on my right foot. It’s hard for me to walk.”

She recalled how she thought it was just a regular ankle sprain, but at the hospital, she learned that fluid had already seeped into her bone marrow. The doctor also told Ahtisa to wear crutches for 20 days and also avoid walking in heels, but it was impossible as she was competing in a pageant.

“And honestly at that time, I thought, what am I doing. I’m like, this is already my health that is at risk because of all these things,” Ahtisa said.

“But I also reminded myself, okay, I’m here for a reason. Fighting for the Philippines, it’s already so close to the finals and prelims. I wouldn’t wanna quit this close to the finals,” she added.

In 2024, Ahtisa finished her Miss Cosmo journey in the Top 10, winning the “First Station” of the People’s Choice voting. She also made it to the Top 3 of the “National Pride” stage.

Ahtisa went on to win Miss Universe Philippines in 2025, and finished as the third runner-up in the international pageant.

In March 2026, she signed with Sparkle GMA Artist Center.

Watch her interview here. — Nika Roque/LA, GMA News