Ahtisa Manalo Leads Philippines’ Beauty Pageant Revolution at Miss Universe
UPDATE: As the Miss Universe competition unfolds in Bangkok, Thailand, Ahtisa Manalo prepares to take the stage, representing the Philippines with the hopes of millions. Scheduled for December 2023, this highly anticipated event has ignited fervor across the nation, where beauty pageants are not just contests but a vital part of cultural identity.
In the Philippines, beauty queens symbolize inspiration and national pride, with 28-year-old Ahtisa Manalo feeling the weight of expectations from a pageant-obsessed nation. “In the Philippines, people stop and tune in for three things: boxing, basketball, and beauty pageants,” she stated. This passion for pageantry results in hundreds of competitions year-round, ranging from local events in neighborhoods to high-stakes international contests.
The pageant frenzy has given rise to a substantial industry, employing coaches, designers, and influencers. Jonas Gaffud, known as the “Queenmaker,” emphasized the collective effort behind each contestant, noting, “It takes a village to create a beauty queen.” With such widespread participation, local events like the “Mister and Miss Lamot Dos” competition in Laguna showcase how community engagement fuels this thriving ecosystem.
Pageantry in the Philippines traces its roots back to the 16th century, intertwining with colonial history and local traditions. The first beauty contest at the 1908 Manila Carnival laid the foundation for what has become a national pastime. Since then, the Philippines has secured its position as a powerhouse in international beauty pageants, ranking fourth in Miss Universe titles globally.
Manalo’s journey to the Miss Universe stage has not been without challenges. She overcame a fall during the national competition, quickly regaining her composure, which endeared her to the audience. “There’s always the pressure that you carry the Philippines sash with you,” she acknowledged, reinforcing the significance of her role as a representative of her country.
The landscape of pageantry is evolving, reflecting changing societal values. In a groundbreaking move, Chelsea Manalo became the first Black Filipina to win the Miss Universe Philippines title, challenging traditional beauty standards. “Finally, they have an image that they think, ‘If Chelsea won the crown, maybe I can too,’” she remarked.
The Miss Universe competition not only showcases beauty but also serves as a platform for social change, with more inclusive representations emerging. The Philippines’ strong diaspora, estimated at 10 million Filipinos abroad, amplifies the impact of these contests beyond national borders, fostering a sense of unity and pride among overseas communities.
As anticipation mounts for Manalo’s performance in the Miss Universe pageant, her journey encapsulates the spirit of a nation that rallies behind its queens. The event, watched by millions, highlights both the cultural significance and the economic weight of the beauty pageant industry, making it a focal point of national pride.
Stay tuned for updates as Ahtisa Manalo competes for the crown, showcasing not just her beauty but the heart and resilience of the Philippines on the world stage. Watch her journey on All Access.
