Miss Universe Philippines 2025 Ahtisa Manalo is now in Bangkok, Thailand to host the Mister International 2025 pageant, marking her first foray into international hosting.
The coronation night is set for September 25 at MCC Hall, The Mall Lifestore Ngamwongwanl, with model and fitness trainer Kirk Bondad representing the Philippines.
Upon her arrival, Manalo was greeted by her fans at the airport.
"You know this is my international hosting so I'm really excited for it but also nervous, but I think kayang-kaya," Manalo told pageant fans, as captured in videos posted on social media.
Manalo, who finished first-runner up in Miss International 2018, said she is also going to visit the Miss Universe Organization headquarters in the Thai capital.
In the interview during her arrival in Thailand, Manalo also shared her preparations for the upcoming Miss Universe 2025 competition.
"More than the physical stuff -- given na 'yon that when you're Miss Philippines, you do all the physical trainings that the eyes can see -- the pressure that you feel when you carry like the hopes and the stories of like all the Filipino people, that's really the thing that I'm training for," she said.
Manalo also shared why she wants to be the next Miss Universe.
"I really want to serve as inspiration, a symbol of hope that it doesn't matter where you come fom in life. It doesn't matter your circumstances. You can make your dreams happen if you just work hard enough," she said.
In November, Manalo will be returning to Thailand to represent the Philippines in the Miss Universe 2025 competition.
"May pagbabalik pa ako sa Thailand. Please continue to support me in this journey. We've just started , we're halfway there and I really appreciate the energy you give me. You know, the reason why I work hard and I push through with this is because of your support also. I really appreciate it. It means a lot to me," Manalo said.
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