Ahtisa Manalo shares "kilig" update on her love life after Miss Universe journey

• Ahtisa Manalo recently confirmed that she is in a relationship during a candid interview with Vice Ganda
• The beauty queen shared that her romance blossomed shortly after the conclusion of the Miss Universe 2025 pageant in Thailand
• Having finished as 3rd runner-up, Ahtisa announced that she is officially retiring from the world of pageantry to pursue new goals
• She plans to return to entrepreneurship with a focus on health and wellness while continuing her advocacy with Alon Akademie

After a whirlwind journey on the international stage, Miss Universe Philippines 2025 Ahtisa Manalo is finally letting her heart take center stage. In a viral interview with Vice Ganda for his latest YouTube vlog, the beauty queen admitted that she is no longer single.

Ahtisa shared that she and her boyfriend officially started their relationship just recently, following the grand coronation of Miss Universe 2025 in November. “Bago lang kami,” she playfully shared. When Vice Ganda tried to dig deeper for a "monthsary" date, Ahtisa kept it low-key but mentioned there was a specific day her partner asked her to be official. “Wala kaming monthsary pero meron kaming date na in-ask niya ako kailan [kami na],” she added.

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Aside from the kilig vibes, Ahtisa also made a major announcement regarding her career. After representing the Philippines for 18 years across different stages, she confirmed in a podcast with Kara David that Miss Universe was her "final chapter." “I feel like this is the perfect way to close that chapter of my life,” she remarked. She emphasized that she is leaving the stage with a smile, saying, “I'm happy because I feel like I closed that chapter of doing pageants in a nice manner.”

So, what’s next for our queen? With a background in accounting, Ahtisa is looking to get back into the world of business. “Maybe I will go back to business. I think I want to do something with health and wellness,” she shared. While she finds her finance education very useful, she jokingly added that she isn't ready to hit the books for a license yet: “parang di ko na kayang mag-aral ulit.”

Ahtisa Manalo is a 28-year-old beauty from Candelaria, Quezon, who became a fan favorite after placing 1st runner-up at Miss International 2018. After a years-long hiatus, she made a triumphant comeback by winning the Miss Universe Philippines 2025 crown. Known for her "face card" and calm composure, Ahtisa proved her mettle by finishing as 3rd runner-up at the 74th Miss Universe in Thailand, cementing her legacy as one of the country's most successful beauty queens.

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As Ahtisa transitions to her new role as a businesswoman and advocate, her journey remains a topic of high interest, especially given the controversies and "tea" shared during her recent media appearances.

Shortly after the international pageant, Ahtisa addressed rumors regarding titles offered behind the scenes. She clarified her stance on the "Miss Universe Asia" title and expressed how she felt about the results of the competition. Her transparency regarding the internal dynamics of the pageant world earned her even more praise from fans who appreciated her honesty and lack of bitterness.

Ahtisa’s recent comments also drew reactions from prominent figures in the pageant industry, including Jay Luu of Miss Cosmo. The exchange of statements highlighted the intensity and passion surrounding international competitions. Despite the back-and-forth, Ahtisa remains focused on her advocacy and personal growth, proving that there is indeed life—and a very happy one—after the pageant lights dim.

Source: KAMI.com.gh