Ahtisa Manalo Crowns Successor Bea Millan-Windorski as Miss Universe Philippines 2026

Key facts

• Ahtisa Manalo finished third runner-up in the 74th Miss Universe Pageant in Thailand.
• Manalo crowned Bea Millan-Windorski of La Union as her successor on May 2 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
• The 75th Miss Universe Pageant will be held in November 2026 at the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
• Manalo delivered a farewell speech emphasizing responsibility, hard work, and gratitude to her supporters.
• She thanked her fan base, Ahtistahins, and her GMA family, family, friends, and hometown of Candelaria, Quezon Province.
• Manalo advised the next queens to 'be ready' and 'surround yourself with the right people.'

A Regal Farewell at the Mall of Asia Arena

Ahtisa Manalo, third runner-up in the 74th Miss Universe pageant, took her final walk as Miss Universe Philippines 2025 on May 2 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, wearing a sequined fuchsia gown with a thigh slit. The country's queen was just minutes away from crowning her successor, who would represent the Philippines in the 75th Miss Universe Pageant in Puerto Rico in November 2026. Manalo was a regal presence onstage, inspiring the delegates watching from the wings. Her farewell speech, delivered via video, reflected on a life intertwined with pageantry.

A Life Defined by Pageantry and Purpose

"I don't even remember a life before pageantry," Manalo said in her farewell speech. "It feels like most of my life, pageantry has been there." She described her dream of becoming Miss Universe as deeply embedded in her life, making it hard to quantify what she learned from the experience. Manalo noted that stepping onto the national stage made her realize a greater responsibility beyond herself. "I have to be an example, and I have to serve as a symbol of something," she said, emphasizing that her values of hard work, patience, and persistence could inspire others to achieve their dreams.

Gratitude to the Tribe Behind the Crown

Manalo humbly acknowledged that while she stood alone on the 74th Miss Universe stage, a tribe of people ensured she got there. "Everyone lumalaban: the Filipino fans, the organization, the people who are working behind the scenes," she said. "I'm the representation of the Philippines. Ako lang 'yung nasa stage. Pero there are so many people behind what you see who worked for me to be Miss Universe Philippines." She expressed gratitude to her GMA family, her family, friends, and her hometown of Candelaria, Quezon Province. A special thank-you went to her fan base, the Ahtistahins, for their unwavering support.

Advice for the Next Generation of Queens

Addressing the next generation of Filipina beauty queens, Manalo urged them to "be ready" for a beautiful journey of self-discovery. "Just remember that your journey is your own. Remember to be present in every moment no matter how hard that is," she said. She advised them to surround themselves with people who lift them up and make them feel good about themselves. "Stand proudly when you're on the Miss Universe stage. Remember you're carrying the hopes, the stories, and the beauty of the Filipino people," Manalo reminded the ladies. She concluded that winning or losing does not define who they are; only they can define their own story.

The Crowning of Bea Millan-Windorski

Manalo crowned Bea Millan-Windorski of La Union as her successor during the finals night. The new queen will represent the Philippines in the 75th Miss Universe pageant, scheduled for November 2026 at the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The transition marks the beginning of a new chapter for Philippine pageantry, with Millan-Windorski set to carry forward the legacy of her predecessor.

A Legacy of Persistence and National Pride

Manalo's tenure as Miss Universe Philippines was defined by her third-runner-up finish in Thailand, a result that underscored the country's continued competitiveness on the global stage. Her farewell speech wove together personal reflection and national pride, emphasizing that her journey was shared by millions of Filipinos. "I'm forever grateful for everyone who helped me reach my dream," she said, encapsulating the collective effort behind her reign. As she passed the crown, Manalo left a clear message: the true measure of success lies not in the title but in the values and stories carried forward.

The bottom line

• Ahtisa Manalo crowned Bea Millan-Windorski as Miss Universe Philippines 2026 on May 2 at SM Mall of Asia Arena.
• Manalo finished third runner-up at the 74th Miss Universe Pageant in Thailand.
• The 75th Miss Universe Pageant will take place in November 2026 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
• Manalo emphasized responsibility, hard work, and gratitude in her farewell speech.
• She urged future queens to carry the hopes of the Filipino people and define their own stories.
• The new queen, Bea Millan-Windorski, will represent the Philippines in the upcoming global pageant.