Catriona Gray, Michelle Dee, And More Queens Share Support (And Advice!) For Ahtisa Manalo's Miss Universe 2025 Bid

As Ahtisa Manalo prepares to take on the global stage in Thailand for Miss Universe 2025, four of the Philippines' fiercest beauty queens—Catriona Gray, Michelle Dee, Ariella Arida and Shamcey Supsup-Lee—are rallying behind her with all-out love and wisdom.

Ahtisa has received heartfelt messages from her predecessors, who know exactly what it's like to carry the country's sash on one of the world's biggest stages.

Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray knows what it takes to bring home the crown, and she's betting big on Ahtisa. "Having that international competition experience gives you that kind of knowledge, that edge," Catriona said. "I think that's a huge advantage for her."

Catriona also highlighted Ahtisa's undeniable stage presence, something she's had since her early pageant days. Her biggest piece of advice for Ahtisa is to protect her peace and find ways to endure. "I feel like she's built for the endurance of this. This is something she's [been] working for and dreaming about for years," she said. Spoken like a true queen who's been there, done that, and got the Mikimoto crown to prove it!

For Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee, Ahtisa's preparation and heart make her a strong contender. "She has some of the best trainers in the country," Michelle shared during an event in Parañaque. "She'll fly to Thailand with her pockets full of surprises we should look forward to."

Michelle even hinted that she might show up in Bangkok to cheer her on. "If there's a chance to support our candidate, I want to. And ang lapit lang ng Thailand, kaya sa lahat ng Pinoy na pwede, manood na kayo!"

Miss Universe 2013 third runner-up and Miss Universe Philippines National Director Ariella Arida also shared heartfelt words for Ahtisa, applauding the impact she's had on Filipino pageant fans. "I know you reignited so many dreams when you won," Ariella said. "I hope these people will be your inspiration to really get and be the best of what you can do every day."

Meanwhile, Miss Universe 2011 third runner-up and former Miss Universe Philippines National Director Shamcey Supsup-Lee reminded Ahtisa to keep calm and stay true to herself. "Huwag ka lang masyadong ma-pressure," she said. "It's your journey. Do what you think is good for you. Kung ano ang nasa puso mo, gawin mo."

Having witnessed Ahtisa's comeback after finishing as 2nd runner-up in last year's Miss Universe Philippines pageant, Shamcey believes destiny is now on her side. "The destiny awaits you. Do what you can do, the other half, you leave it to fate," she said.

For Ahtisa, this moment has been 18 years in the making. "Pageantry has been my vehicle, my vessel in life to achieve dreams that I want for myself and for my family," she shared at her emotional send-off. "Ilalaban ko kayo lahat. I'll do my best. I'll make sure that the Ahtisa on the Miss Universe stage is the best Ahtisa ever."

The countdown is on! Catch Ahtisa strut the preliminaries at the Swimsuit Runway show on Friday, November 15 at 8 P.M., airing on Metro Channel, ANC, and iWant.

Then get ready to cheer her all the way to the crown at the 74th Miss Universe pageant live from Bangkok, Thailand on Friday, November 21, 2025, at 9 a.m., streaming across ABS-CBN platforms including A2Z, Kapamilya Channel, Metro Channel, and iWantTFC.