MANILA, Philippines – The Miss Universe 2025 heats up today as the highly anticipated National Costume (NatCos) Competition goes live from Bangkok, Thailand. Representing the Philippines is Ahtisa Manalo, who is set to showcase a masterpiece created by renowned Filipino designer Mak Tumang.
National Costume Competition
November 19, 2025 | 2:00 PM PH Time
How to Watch
The National Costume Competition will be livestreamed on the GRANDTV YouTube Channel. Fans from around the world can tune in to see the candidates showcase their stunning national costumes and witness Ahtisa Manalo represent the Philippines on the global stage.
Stay tuned for the livestream video. Follow us on Facebook and X for more updates.
The national costume parade has become a fan favorite at Miss Universe, known for being one of the most colorful segments of the pageant. Each delegate highlights the culture and heritage of the country they represent, making it a truly spectacular showcase of global traditions.
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Support the Philippines!
VOTE FOR THE PHILIPPINES ON THE BEST NATIONAL COSTUME CATEGORY 🇵🇭✨
Ahtisa Manalo carries the pride of our culture and heritage on the global stage. If the Philippines wins this year, it will mark a historic three-peat following victories in 2023 and 2024.
How to vote:
- Download the Miss Universe App (App Store / Google Play)
- Earn free votes or buy votes directly
- Vote for the Philippines in the Best National Costume category
Ahtisa's National Costume
Ahtisa expressed excitement about her national costume designed by Mak Tumang, who is celebrated worldwide for his creations, including Catriona Gray’s iconic Miss Universe gowns.
“To be given the opportunity to create a national costume for the Philippines for Miss Universe — this isn’t just work, it’s a dream I’ve held close since childhood,” Tumang said. “Grateful, honored, and deeply humbled to see it finally come to life.”
With Ahtisa’s elegance and Tumang’s artistry, anticipation is high as pageant fans await what could be one of the standout costumes in this year’s competition.
A Field of 120 Candidates
The 74th Miss Universe pageant gathers 120 candidates this year under the theme “The Power of Love.” Ahtisa, previously first runner-up in Miss International 2018, now aims to bring home the Philippines’ fifth Miss Universe crown.
Preliminary Events Schedule
- National Costume Competition – 2:00 PM
- Preliminary Competition – 8:00 PM
These performances will heavily influence who advances to the semifinals during coronation night on November 21.
Ahtisa Leading in Fan-Voted Categories
Ahtisa continues to gain strong global support. She is currently ranked first in three Miss Universe online voting categories: Beyond the Crown, Most Beautiful People, and People’s Choice.
She also places second in Most Photogenic, Best Skin, Best Evening Gown, and Best National Costume, and third in Miss Congeniality.
The Miss Universe Organization reminded fans that voting for Beyond the Crown and Most Beautiful People closes on November 19, while other categories remain open until November 20.
The Road to the Crown
Born in Candelaria, Quezon to a Filipino mother and Finnish-Swedish father, Ahtisa has earned admiration for her grace and determination. During her send-off, the 28-year-old entrepreneur expressed gratitude and promised to give her all on the Miss Universe stage.
“For my countrymen, I will fight whatever it is, and I’m going to come on the other end smiling. I promise you’ll see the best Ahtisa on the Miss Universe stage,” she said.
The Philippines currently holds four Miss Universe titles: Gloria Diaz (1969), Margie Moran (1973), Pia Wurtzbach (2015), and Catriona Gray (2018). With strong voting performance and high anticipation surrounding her national costume, Ahtisa hopes to become the country’s next Miss Universe.
Will This Be the Philippines’ Fifth Crown?
As the National Costume Competition unfolds, all eyes are on Ahtisa Manalo. Her performance today could set the tone for the rest of her Miss Universe journey. The universe is watching—and the Philippines is hopeful.
— The Summit Express