Ahtisa Manalo at the 74th Miss Universe 2025 Opening Ceremony – A Night of Stardom, Pride and Promise

The glow in Bangkok’s lights wasn’t just from the grandeur of the event—it was from the presence of a woman whose journey has been about resilience, reinvention and representation. Representing the Philippines at the 74th Miss Universe competition, Ahtisa Manalo stood at the centre of the world’s stage during the opening night—the “Night at the Universe” ceremony—marking not only the start of one of pageantry’s biggest nights, but also a beacon of national pride for her country.

The Road to Thailand: From Quezon to Global Spotlight

Before stepping onto the luminous stage of Miss Universe, Ahtisa Manalo’s journey had already been a tale of persistence. Hailing from Quezon Province in the Philippines, she had fought her way through multiple pageants: she placed first runner‑up in Miss International 2018, she became Miss Universe Philippines 2025 after previous attempts, and now she carries with her the hopes of a nation.

Her arrival in Thailand for Miss Universe 2025 was greeted with warmth and adulation. Delegates, pageant fans and media alike took notice of the confidence and poise she brought to the arrival activities in Bangkok. And now, at the opening ceremony—a prelude to the main competition—she stepped into a global spotlight that was as much about culture, symbolism and storytelling as about beauty itself.

A Ceremony as Cosmic as the “Universe” Theme

The opening night of Miss Universe 2025—often styled as the “Night at the Universe” ceremony—was not just a fashion show or a pageant rehearsal. It was an event that embraced a cosmic vision: interactive visuals, diverse national costumes, cultural nods and an overarching theme of togetherness and global sisterhood. While detailed play‑by‑play of the entire event is yet to surface, glimpses from the Philippine contingent’s arrival reveal how seriously the theme was taken: delegates clad in traditional Thai dresses, striking poses in Thailand’s rich cultural tapestry.

For Ahtisa, this meant more than walking; it meant representing her nation’s identity, heritage and hopes. The Philippines, known for its passionate pageant fandom, had one of their strongest advocates on stage. With each step she took during rehearsals, fittings and the opening ceremony itself, Ahtisa bore both the confidence of a contestant and the weight of expectation as the nation’s delegate.

The Spotlight Moment: Ahtisa at the Opening

Though not every detail of Ahtisa’s walk during the opening ceremony has been publicly highlighted yet, several aspects are already drawing attention:

Her confident greeting and her striking appearance upon arrival in Bangkok, which many fans captured and shared.

The symbolism of her presence: as a Filipino woman who has weathered pageant storms, stepped on stage and risen again, her journey mirrors the perseverance many admire.

The national costume and evening gown segments may come later, but for the opening, she set the tone: poised, elegant and ready.

One Reddit fan captured the mood:

“OMG DYOSA! Our very own Miss Philippines Ma. Ahtisa Manalo in Miss Universe 2025 Welcome Ceremony today! Grabe nanglalamon ang ganda!”

That burst of fan enthusiasm underlines what the opening ceremony achieved: it introduced the contestant as a narrative. It wasn’t just “here’s Miss Philippines” — it was “here’s Ahtisa Manalo, embodying resilience, grace and national pride.”

A Moment of Emotional Depth: Knowing Her Story

What amplifies Ahtisa’s presence isn’t just her beauty—but her backstory. During her coronation as Miss Universe Philippines 2025, she revealed a stage fall during the evening gown walk and made it part of her Q&A answer:

“I fell a while ago on stage. The thing with me is, whenever I fall in life, I always make sure I come back stronger.”

That anecdote resonates. It’s a metaphor for determination. So when she took her place on the Miss Universe opening stage, she wasn’t just stepping into lights—she was embodying a comeback story with a Filipino twist.

For many in the Philippines, pageants are more than displays of glamour; they are vehicles for national pride. Ahtisa becomes that vehicle. Her presence in Thailand is a symbol: of the Philippines returning to big pageant stage, of hope rekindled.

What the Opening Night Means for Her Pageant Journey

The opening ceremony may only be the first chapter of the Miss Universe story, but it sets many things in motion: first impressions, media narratives, networking among delegations, and mental preparation for the competition ahead. For Ahtisa, several implications emerge:

Momentum – A strong presence at the opening builds confidence. As fans and media share photos and videos, the narrative of her being a strong contender gains traction.

Cultural statement – The Philippines is known for powerful national costumes and segments in pageants. How Ahtisa portrays the country’s identity—even during the opening—matters.

Media and fan engagement – With her arrival in Thailand already making waves, the opening ceremony further sparks local and international attention. This means more eyes on her as the competition goes on.

Internal mindset – Stepping on stage in an opening ceremony with the rest of the world present demands composure. For Ahtisa, who has had to overcome previous setbacks, this moment is about consolidation: of her skills, of her brand, and of her message.

The Voice Behind the Beauty: Advocacy and Story

What often distinguishes winners in Miss Universe transcends the walk, the gown or even the physical beauty—it’s the story of advocacy, the ability to connect, to lead, to resonate. Ahtisa’s journey positions her uniquely: she is no longer just a contestant chasing a crown; she’s a woman who has already lived part of the story she wishes to tell.

In the national competition, she spoke candidly about falling on stage yet reclaiming her power.

Her advocacy, while perhaps still being shaped for the global stage, is anchored in authenticity: perseverance, national pride, faith.

In the opening ceremony, that voice begins to amplify. It’s not yet the question‑and‑answer stage—it’s the stage of first impressions—but that voice already whispers: “Here I am, ready to represent.” The contestants from over 100 countries will take turns, walk, pose and greet. But when one embodies story and confidence like Ahtisa, the opening is more than the beginning—it becomes the statement.

Filipino Fans and Global Pageant Culture

In the Philippines, pageantry is more than entertainment—it’s cultural theatre. The country has given the Miss Universe stage champions, runner‑ups and world‑class contestants. Fans celebrate every step: the national costume reveal, the arrival in the host country, the smiling selfies, the walk rehearsals. Ahtisa’s every move in Bangkok is being watched, discussed, tweeted, posted.

When she arrived in Thailand, the fanfare was immediate: flags, banners, excitement.

And as the opening ceremony unfolded, Filipino social media lit up with admiration and hope. For a nation that has had two Miss Universe crowns (1993, 2015), the hope of reclaiming the crown is always alive. And Ahtisa becomes that hope.

What to Watch in the Coming Days

While the opening ceremony is now done, the competition ahead holds many key moments. Here’s what we’ll keep an eye on:

Preliminary rounds and swimsuit/evening gown segments: How Ahtisa carries herself, how she innovates her walk, her styling, her aura.

National costume reveal: While not part of the opening ceremony directly, the cultural messaging from that piece will matter.

Interviews and off‑stage presence: The interactions, the media coverage, the narratives built around Ahtisa’s story of comeback and national representation.

Fan engagement: How Filipino and global fans rally behind her. The opening ceremony has already provided surfaces for commentary, photos and social momentum—this will amplify further.

Actual coronation night (November 21, 2025): The culmination of all the signals. The opening becomes part of the bigger tapestry that ends with the crowning moment.

Closing Reflection: Ahtisa’s Opening, Our Hope

When Ahtisa Manalo entered the opening stage of Miss Universe 2025, she did more than walk down the runway. She carried a story of persistence—from Quezon Province, from falls on stage to rises in national titles. She carried the hopes of a Filipino audience, proud and passionate. And she carried herself with poise—an indicator that she’s not just participating, she’s presenting.

The “Night at the Universe” ceremony may have been one night, but in many ways, it was the launching pad. Already the cameras, the fans, the media have captured moments of her arrival, her presence and her quiet strength. What matters now is what comes next: the performances, the interviews, the final walk. But if the opening night is any foreshadowing, the Philippines’ delegate is ready—ready to walk, ready to speak, ready to show.

For pageant watchers, this is not just about a crown; it is about a narrative of a woman, her journey, and how she brings her nation with her. For Filipino fans, it’s about hope renewed. For the global stage, it’s about authenticity and presence.

As we count down to the crown night, the opening ceremony will be remembered as the night Ahtisa Manalo emerged—not just as one delegate among many, but as one who carried something bigger than herself: a story, a nation’s pride, and the weight of dreams.

And if her opening steps were any indication, she’s walking towards something more than a title—she’s walking toward legacy.