Miss Universe Philippines 2025 Ahtisa Manalo lit up the international stage with a national costume that paid majestic tribute to the country’s heritage, artistry, and enduring spirit of celebration. Titled “Cherished Tradition: The Festival Queen,” the ensemble captures the Filipina as a living symbol of beauty, grace, and cultural pride — a woman who dazzles not only with elegance but with the soul of every Filipino fiesta.
Anchored in history, the costume begins with the classic silhouette of the traje de mestiza — the bell-sleeved camisa, the sweeping saya, and the modest pañuelo draped gently over the shoulders. These timeless elements honor María Clara, the beloved heroine of Dr. José Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere, whose virtue, modesty, and dignity became the blueprint of the ideal Filipina. Through this homage, the ensemble bridges past and present, reminding the world of the origins of the modern terno, the Philippines’ national dress.
Handcrafted from fine, hand-embroidered piña, the costume stands as a testament to the remarkable craftsmanship of Filipino artisans. Woven from delicate pineapple fibers, piña cloth is known for its natural luster — a sheen that mirrors the Filipina herself: resilient, radiant, and deeply rooted in her heritage. Each stitch, each thread, reflects patience, precision, and a cultural legacy passed down through generations.
But it is the skirt that transforms this national costume into a breathtaking tapestry of festivals — a celebration in full motion. The design draws inspiration from the country’s most iconic fiestas:
- The Giant Lantern Festival of Pampanga, a dazzling explosion of lights symbolizing unity and the warmth of the world’s longest Christmas season.
- The Pahiyas Festival of Lucban, where bold greens, yellows, oranges, pinks, and reds honor the bountiful harvest in colorful thanksgiving.
- The Panagbenga Festival of Baguio, whose blooms and vivid textures breathe life, fragrance, and movement into the garment.
In a nation where every town beats to the rhythm of its own celebration, this costume becomes a proud embodiment of the country’s collective joy, faith, and unity. It is a vision that seamlessly weaves history, tradition, color, and festivity into a single radiant masterpiece.
In her caption, Ahtisa wrote: “With every step, I become the living festival of the Philippines — carrying the brilliance of a thousand lanterns, the warmth of Filipino hospitality, and the timeless grace of María Clara onto the Miss Universe stage.”
Following the reveal, netizens expressed their admiration, saying how refreshing and meaningful it was to see a Filipina queen once again grace the Miss Universe stage wearing an iconic Filipiniana-inspired national costume. Many praised the thoughtful concept, the cultural depth, and Ahtisa’s regal execution, calling it one of the most heartfelt and patriotic interpretations in recent years.
With this powerful showcase, Ahtisa Manalo didn’t just wear a costume — she embodied the story, strength, and spirit of the Filipino people.
