Finishing well with a Top 10 placement, Ahtisa Manalo has made history again as a pageant contender—this time as the People’s Choice Award and Miss Cosmo Tourism Ambassador. Here’s how her whole journey went
From the Miss International to the Miss Universe Philippines stage, the command of one Ahtisa Manalo comes from her aim to reach for the stars—enough to make an impact to the cosmos. As one of the most loved contenders of the Miss Cosmo International 2024 competition, the Quezon Province-raised beauty queen finished her journey with a Top 10 placement and two special awards—the People’s Choice Award and Miss Cosmo Tourism Ambassador. Here’s a look back on her Miss Cosmo International story—one that we will all remember till her next one.
RELATED: EXCLUSIVE: Behind Ahtisa Manalo’s Dyesebel National Costume for Miss Cosmo International 2024
The Preliminaries
Evening Gown
Among the sea of glitters, Ahtisa donned a billowing bright blue dress with dazzling brass metal leaves, framing the low cut neckline. Designer Mak Tumang shared in an Instagram post that he was inspired by a lotus flower floating on water—“a symbol of purity, strength, resilience, and rebirth.”
Swimsuit
Meanwhile, during the swimsuit competition, the beauty queen gave an infectious smile and energy during her pasarela that left the audience in awe. All the candidates wore similar two-toned bikinis of various neon colors with gradient shawls behind them. For Ahtisa, a hot pink and neon green bikini set with a mix of blues in her shawl was enough to catch our attention.
National Costume
Bringing the mythical mermaid Dyesebel to land, Ahtisa and her team collaborated with avant garde designer Ehrran Montoya for her national costume. A standout in orange, the dress represented the grace and beauty of a queen like herself. According to the designer, the piece involved intricate beadwork and layers of iridescent fabric and organza. To top it all of were fins as accents in her headpiece, sleeves, and tail—dimension and drama all in one.
Grand Finals
Swimsuit
During the finals, Ahtisa wore a bright red, criss cross halter bikini top. Dangling from her ears was a set of asymmetrical drop earrings that resembled the moon and the stars, and sparking silver Jojo Bragais heels. Switching from her sleek hairstyle, she went for loose waves.
Evening Gown
Ahtisa was simply one with the cosmos in her evening gown. In a sheer number with only iridescent beads artfully scattered to mimic the stars and the galaxies, the country’s contender walked the stage in shifting hues and colors. With a final touch, her hair was twisted in an elegant updo, giving way to the marvelous dress designed by Mak Tumang.
Ahtisa Manalo is not only a star, but a warrior for pushing through the competition despite the challenges that she faced. In her Instagram broadcast channel, she broke the news that she sprained her ankle while rehearsing. But at the end of it all, Ahtisa Manalo has shown that tenacity, grit, and passion can take you anywhere—and maybe, if not the cosmos, it’s the universe that has something in store for her.
Featured Image, Photos and Videos: AHTISA MANALO, PATTY YAP, MISS COSMO INTERNATIONAL (via Instagram and Facebook)
