Ahtisa Manalo reflects on absent father and how it shaped her view on love and trust
- Ahtisa Manalo spoke candidly about growing up without her biological father
- She recalled early hardships and helping her family earn money as a child
- The Miss Universe 2025 3rd Runner-Up admitted lingering resentment and unanswered questions
- She shared how her childhood experiences influenced her approach to relationships
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Miss Universe 2025 3rd Runner-Up Ahtisa Manalo opened up about the emotional weight of growing up without her biological father and how it continues to affect her personal relationships.
Source: Instagram
In an interview with Toni Gonzaga on December 28, Ahtisa revisited her childhood in Candelaria, Quezon, where she was raised by her Filipina-Spanish mother.
Her Finnish-Swedish father was absent throughout her life, both emotionally and financially, leaving her to grow up in an environment marked by struggle.
She recalled learning responsibility early, often helping her family make ends meet.
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“Nagbebenta ako sa sari-sari store namin, pagbabantayin ako ng mommy ko. Parang halos lahat ng memory ko humahanap ako ng opportunity para kumita ng pera at tulungan yung pamilya at sarili ko,” Ahtisa said.
She previously admitted feeling “embarrassed” about coming from a poor household, a sentiment she has since learned to confront with honesty and acceptance.
Although her mother remarried when she was five and she grew up with a stepfather, Ahtisa shared that the absence of her biological father left unresolved questions.
She explained that while the thought crossed her mind, she never actively searched for him.
“Naisip ko yun before pero hindi siya yung gustong-gusto ko. Naisip ko lang na ‘ay okay, nasaan kaya siya?’ or ‘magkakakilala kaya kami?’ pero hindi ko siya hinanap talaga na may ginawa ako about it,” she said.
She also acknowledged a quiet resentment she carried for years.
“Siguro ang point ko noon, siguro may hinanakit ako ng konti. Ang point ko is ‘bakit ako yung maghahanap e siya yung adult?’ Parang ganon,” Ahtisa shared.
According to her, these experiences shaped her emotional boundaries. “I think I have abandonment issues.
Kasi you got to think about it na parang [daddy issues], exactly,” she explained.
Despite everything, Ahtisa expressed deep gratitude to those who supported her, especially when she began her pageant journey in Manila at 20.
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“Maraming horror stories. Ako swerte ako na laging merong mga taong nag-aalaga sa akin,” she said.
Ahtisa Manalo is a Filipina beauty queen and entrepreneur who has made a name for herself on the international pageant stage, earning praise for her elegance, intellect, and commitment to advocacy. She gained national attention after winning Binibining Pilipinas International 2018, a victory that led to her strong showing as first runner-up at Miss International 2018. Since then, she has been regarded as one of the Philippines’ most competitive representatives in global pageants. Outside of pageantry, Ahtisa is active in business and youth advocacy, working with groups such as Alon Akademie to help young people from underserved communities access better opportunities. Her composure, authenticity, and warmth have contributed to her image as one of the country’s most respected beauty queens.
Following the Miss Universe 2025 pageant, Ahtisa received an outpouring of support from fellow Filipina titleholders. Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach was among those who publicly congratulated her on social media. Through Instagram Stories, Pia posted a photo of Ahtisa wearing an evening gown designed by Val Taguba and praised her performance in the competition. She congratulated Ahtisa on her finish and acknowledged the pride she brought to the Philippines, ending her message with words of encouragement.
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray also shared her appreciation for Ahtisa after the pageant concluded. On her own Instagram Stories, Catriona uploaded the official art card announcing Ahtisa’s third runner-up placement. She highlighted Ahtisa’s hard work and the strong impression she made on stage, echoing the admiration and pride felt by many Filipinos after her Miss Universe 2025 journey.
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Source: KAMI.com.gh
