Ahtisa-Manalo-makes-finals-worthy-performance-at-Miss-Universe-2025-preliminaries

November 20 ------ Ahtisa Manalo brought back her signature pivot move when she took the stage at the preliminary competition of the Miss Universe 2025 pageant in Thailand, Wednesday night, Nov. 19, as she delivered a finals-worthy performance.

Manalo opened her swimsuit routine with the all too familiar hip thrust followed by a slow spin turn, only to quickly pivot back, a signature move of hers that went viral online with many netizens copying the move. She first introduced the move last year during the national competition.

The preliminary competition show was held at Hall 2 of Impact Challenger in Nonthaburi, the same venue of the national costume presentation held earlier, and where the finale will also be staged. Manalo flaunted her toned abs and showed her long legs in her cobalt blue two-piece swimsuit from the “Power of Love” collection by Filipino label Bench, the official swimwear provider of the 74th Miss Universe pageant.

The seven colors of the pride flag were used in the collection, a nod to the Miss Universe Organization’s (MUO) thrust for inclusivity and diversity, and an embodiment of the pageant’s “spirit of progressive change and unity.”

The 120 delegates in this year’s competition were made to choose between a maillot or a two-piece suit, in colors within the rainbow spectrum. Pakistan’s Roma Riaz opted for a burkini offering full coverage, while Palestine’s Nadeen Ayoub chose a tank top with matching leggings and shawl. Another collection called “Sky of Thailand” will be unveiled at the final competition show on Nov. 21. Created in collaboration with Filipino designer Neric Beltran, the design pays homage to the pageant’s host country.

Evening gown genius

To make up for the 2024 edition’s last-minute inclusion of a preliminary gown showcase, wherein each delegate’s exposure was too abrupt for many fans, the ladies got to walk the runway in their evening gowns this time. Manalo appeared in a jewel-encrusted bustier-top gown with a sweetheart neckline, high-slit, and dripping in iridescent stones with gold-hued flower appliqués. The dress was made by designer Mak Tumang, who also created her “Festejada” national costume, which also wowed her Filipino fans.

Voting for Best Evening Gown and other categories is up at the official Miss Universe mobile app. The public may also help Manalo inch closer to the crown by casting votes for “People’s Choice,” whose winner shoots up to the semifinal round.

The 2025 Miss Universe final competition will be held at the same venue on Friday morning, Nov. 21. Reigning queen Victoria Kjær Theilvig will crown her successor at the end of the show.

Source: inquirer.net