Ahtisa Manalo is returning to the Philippines on Sunday, November 23 after the conclusion of the Miss Universe pageant in Thailand.
The Miss Universe Philippines Organization announced the beauty queen's arrival schedule.
"Pilipinas, our queen is coming home! Our Miss Universe 2025 Third Runner-Up, Ahtisa Manalo, returns to Manila tomorrow (Sunday). Join us in welcoming her at NAIA Terminal 1 at 6:00 PM,” the organization announced in a Facebook post on Saturday, November 22.
They also encouraged fans to take part in welcoming Ahtisa. "Let us extend our warmest reception to our queen, who proudly represented the Philippines at the recently concluded 74th Miss Universe Coronation Night," the organization stated.
The MUPH organization also reminded fans to continue supporting Ahtisa in the Most Beautiful People Category voting. "The Most Beautiful People category closes on November 24 at 12:00 AM—let us unite once more and strive to bring this recognition home. Maraming salamat, Pilipinas!" MUPH said.
Fans online were quick to express their excitement about Ahtisa’s return.
"Truly she represented and executed well in the MU pageant 2025, such a remarkable and marvelous [journey] with flying colors. Well done Ahtisa, thank you for making us proud Pinoy," one fan commented.
"Congratulations Athisa,in our hearts you're the winner," another fan said.
Ahtisa placed 3rd runner-up in this year's pageant. Fatima Bosch of Mexico was crowned Miss Universe 2025.
Rounding out the top 5 were Praveenar Singh of Thailand as first runner-up, Stephany Abasali of Venezuela as second runner-up, and Olivia Yacé of Côte d’Ivoire as fourth runner-up.
During the first question and answer portion of the pageant, Ahtisa was asked by judge Minnie Baloyi: "As a global ambassador or citizen what will be your contribution to humanity?"
The Filipina beauty queen responded: "I come from a very poor background, I started pageants at 10 years old to put myself through school and to lift my family out of poverty."
She went on: "And if there's anything I want to show the universe I'm here right now. I'm standing as Miss Universe, because I was able to get myself out of any situation, because I was hardworking, I was persistent, and I fight for what I want."
In the final question and answer, Ahtisa was asked, "If you win the title of Miss Universe tonight, how would you use this platform to empower young girls?"
She answered: "I work with an organization called Alon Akademie where we work with young people to provide them opportunities to make them realize that it doesn't matter what your life circumstances is, it doesn't define where you will go. And I want to continue working with Alon Akademie in a bigger platform like Miss Universe to pursue making sure that people from low-income backgrounds are given the same opportunities like everyone else."