Ahtisa Manalo on 'warm welcome' back to the Philippines: 'My heart is full'

The queen is home!

Ahtisa Manalo held her grand homecoming parade in Manila on Tuesday, and she couldn't be happier about spending the day with her kababayan.

"Thank you, Manila & MOA for the warm welcome back home," she said on Instagram.

In another post, she added, "Started my thanksgiving journey at 0km, Maynila. My heart is full."

Ahtisa kicked off her homecoming parade at the Manila City Hall, where she was welcomed by a sea of fans and a live band. 

She wore a Mak Tumang gown inspired by angels and the heavens.

Ahtisa finished as third runner-up in Miss Universe 2025, marking the end of her pageantry journey after 18 years.

Mexico's Fatima Bosch won the crown. —JCB, GMA Integrated News