During the grand finale of Binibining Pilipinas 2018 held on 18th March 2018, Maria Ahtisa Manalo was crowned Miss International 2018 by her predecessor Miss International Philippines 2017 Mariel De Leon. She is 20 years of age and stands tall with a height of 175 cm. She has been in the pageant world since she was 16 years of age and is thus the correct choice for the Philippines. Maria graduated from Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation (MSEUF) with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Accountancy.