Here’s the story of the national costume of Ahtisa Manalo in the Miss Universe 2025 pageant.
Mak Tumang created the national costume of Ahtisa Manalo in the Miss Universe 2025 pageant, and here are some details about it.
During the Miss Universe 2025 National Costume competition, cultural references dominated the stage. Each delegate wore a costume that paid tribute to their respective nations.
This competition was held at Thailand’s Impact Challenger Hall on November 19, which was two days before the coronation.
Ahtisa was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2025 in May, and the international pageant’s grand coronation night is happening on November 21 at the Impact Muong Thong Thani Arena in Bangkok, Thailand.
About Ahtisa’s “Festejada: Queen of Philippine Festivals” national competition
The Filipina beauty queen wore a piece created by Mak Tumang, the same designer behind the winning lava gown of the crowned Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray. The gown he donned featured a flesh-colored Filipiniana top, with a wide bright colored skirt.
A matching headpiece with green and gold designs was also included, designed with gold jewelry with colorful beads.
Tumang based his design on the classic traje de mestiza, the silhouette linked to the character Maria Clara in Dr. Jose Rizal’s novel “Noli Me Tangere (Touch me not).” It has a flowing saya, a modest pañuelo, and a traditional camisa with bell-shaped sleeves. These are the elements that remind one of the enduring image of the ideal Filipina – dignified, modest, and resilient.
The top was made of handmade piña, a rare, lustrous textile woven from pineapple fibers. The skirt features over 65,000 hand-shaped petals, which represent the bright energy of Philippine festivals.
Tumang took his inspiration from Pampanga’s Giant Lantern Festival and spoke of the parol’s symmetrical brilliance and intricate craftsmanship. The colors were taken from the bright lights of Lucban’s Pahiyas Festival, such as vibrant greens, yellows, oranges, pinks, and reds that celebrate abundance.
The textures are from the blooms of Baguio’s Panagbenga Festival.
The whole ensemble is a representation of the Philippines’ fiesta culture. These traditions of towns and cities honor harvests, saints, and seasons. The Philippines celebrates more than 40,000 festivals each year, ranging from major events such as Cebu’s Sinulog and Aklan’s Ati-Atihan to smaller local festivities that highlight culture, cuisine, music, and dance.
In the competition, through her national costume, she carried the country with her, where Filipino faith, community, and creativity are expressed. She wore the seamless and meaningful blend of tradition, culture, and grace.
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