Graphics by Kenneth Von B. Villa [@kennethvonvilla]
Text by R. Galvez [@the4ofustraveling]
It seems counterintuitive that leading in our final Hot Picks for Miss Universe Philippines 2025 is the veteran candidate Ma. Ahtisa Manalo. This is, after all, her third attempt to secure the right to represent the Philippines at the Miss Universe pageant.
Her first try was during Bb. Pilipinas 2018 where she ended up as her country’s representative at Miss International. She tried again at Miss Universe 2024 but she fell short and became 2nd runner-up instead.
Her string of failures in securing a major crown is quite interesting. She settled for 1st runner-up title at Miss International 2018. She was hyped during the inaugural Miss Cosmo pageant but didn’t advance further to the Top 5. She was also the top choice of Missosology at the Final Hot Picks for Miss Universe Philippines 2024.
But you know what they say: third time’s a charm. Our pageant analysts saw a different Ma. Ahtisa Manalo this time around. She’s regal, more confident and definitely Miss Universe ready. Remember Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach won the crown on her 3rd attempt. How the finals night will unfold is truly exciting. It could be the biggest comeback of Ahtisa or this could be the biggest flop in Missosology’s Hot Picks history.
This year is the battle of the titleholders and if the results of Miss Universe 2024 is of any indication, then Miss Universe Philippines should aim to crown a veteran rather than a fresh face if it wants to have higher chances of winning the crown. The top 5 of this final Hot Picks is literally jam-packed with pageant experience. For example, Chelsea Lovely Fernandez who ranks second in the list is Bb. Pilipinas Globe 2022 and was one of the semifinalists during Miss Globe. The rest have equally stellar records like Yllana Marie Aduana who is the Miss Earth Philippines 2023, Teresita Ssen Marquez who is the Reina Hispanoamericana 2017 and Maria Katrina Llegado is Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas 2019.
However, just like last year, we could be surprised by the final results. There are numerous darkhorses just waiting for the right moment to shine. Keep an eye on Miss Laguna Eloisa Jauod. She could be the next Miss Universe Philippines!
1. Quezon Province – Maria Ahtisa Manalo
2. Sultan Kudarat – Chelsea Lovely Fernandez
3. Siniloan, Laguna – Yllana Marie Aduana
4. Muntinlupa – Teresita Ssen Marquez
5. Taguig – Maria Katrina Llegado
6. Pasay – Amanda Russo
7. Laguna – Eloisa Jauod
8. Cebu City – Gabriella Mai Carballo
9. Baguio – Gwendoline Meliz Soriano
10. Tarlac – Sasha Juli Belle Lacuna
11. Bohol – Tyra Rae Goldman
12. Iligan City – Juliana Fresado
13. Malay, Aklan – Taylor Marie DeLuna
14. Negros Occidental – Franches Anne Laquibla
15. Isabela – Jarina Sandhu
16. Ifugao – Valerie Claire West
17. Benguet – Maiko Ibarde
18. Caloocan – Allyson Ee
19. Nueva Ecija – Chanel Olive Thomas
20. Oriental Mindoro – Rechel Hoco
