Ahtisa Manalo returns home, explores Quezon's heritage and summer gems

Ahtisa Manalo took a meaningful trip back to her home province of Quezon, sharing a glimpse of its rich history, scenic destinations, and vibrant local culture.

On "Sparkle Under the Sun," which aired on "24 Oras” on Wednesday, the Candelaria, Quezon-native showed the beauty of the coastal town of Mauban, a place she had not visited in nearly a decade.

“Parang sampung taon na nung huli akong pumunta ng Mauban so excited ako makita kung gaano kalaki ang pinagbago, makita 'yung beach. Perfect for summer, hindi pa 'ko nakakapag-beach so ito ang una kong beach. Happy ako na sa Quezon,” Ahtisa said .

As they arrived in Quezon, the Miss Universe 2025 3rd runner-up shared that she frequently visits the town of Dolores to spend time with her grandmother.

“Ako malimit ako umuwi talaga ng Quezon. Bumibisita ako sa Dolores para bisitahin yung lola ko so nung dumaan tayo nung alam kong nasa Quezon na tayo, ramdam ko nakauwi ako,” she said.

Upon arriving in Mauban, Ahtisa explored Rizal Hill Park, a historical site that once served various roles during the Spanish, American, and Japanese periods.

Now recognized as a historic landmark, it is home to one of the tallest monuments of Dr. Jose Rizal in the Philippines.

“July 14, 1928, nahiwalay na po itong Kalbaryo di pa siya tinatawag na Rizal Hill Park. Noong panahon ng mga Espanyol madaming religious activity na ginagawa po rito. Nagkaroon din po rito ng guard post ng Espanyol, America, at Philippine Constabulary tsaka po Japanese Army,” Lexter Relampagos, a tourist aide of Mauban said.

“July 14, 2011, declared by the National Historical Commission as Historic Site dahil tayo lang naman po ang mayroong pinakamataas na monumento ni Jose Rizal sa buong Pilipinas,” he shared.

The highlight of her trip brought her to Cagbalete Island, one of Quezon’s well-known summer destinations.

“Nakakatuwa kasi last ko na nagpunta ako sa Cagbalete, 10 years ago. Pagbalik ko, ganun pa rin kaganda 'yung dagat kulay blue pa rin siya, kulay turquoise pa rin siya,” Ahtisa said.

There, she revisited the Yang-in Sandbar, known for its long stretch of white sand that becomes more visible during low tide and transforms into a natural swimming pool when the tide rises.

Ahtisa also explored the serene San Jose River, surrounded by lush mangroves.

“Perfect for sightseeing at kung gusto niyo lang mag-chill. At habang binabaybay natin ang kahabaan nito, napapaligiran tayo ng makakapal na bakawan o mangroves. Indication po ‘yan na healthy ang paligid,” Ahtisa explained.

“Pinakagusto ko 'yung San Jose River kasi ako mahilig ako sa freshwater,” she added.

The Sparkle beauty queen also highlighted the unique appeal of Quezon as a travel destination.

“Quezon is a huge place. May mga public transpo talaga kung gusto mong bakasyon when you get here, sobrang iba, disconnect talaga sa lahat ng nakasanayan mo kasi nature,” Ahtisa said.

Beyond sightseeing, Ahtisa immersed herself in local culture by learning how to cook “tininghi,” a traditional dish made with coconut crab and coconut milk.

Guided by a local cook, she experienced firsthand how recipes are passed down through generations.

“Pinakanatuwa ako na matuto ako ng bagong recipe. Mahilig kasi ako magluto,” she said.

For Ahtisa, the trip was more than just a summer getaway—it was a chance to reconnect.

“It’s reconnecting back to what actually matters. I saw families and friends hanging out and we often forget na ‘yung time ng summer, ng bakasyon 'yun talaga 'yung time na mag-reconnect sa pamilya,” Athisa said.

“Mabilis akong bumalik sa kung saan ako galing eh. To me, we're all people. we’re all the same, so it's not hard for me to get back to my roots of just being here,” she added. —Jade Veronique Yap/CDC, GMA News