The 70th edition of Miss Universe will be held later this year where delegates from all over the globe will compete for the coveted crown. The Miss Universe organization has advised all the national directors to either appoint a representative or host a national edition to crown a representative for Miss Universe 2021.
As the pageant fanatics are preparing their wishlists for the same, Maria Ahtisa Manalo has surpassed almost all of them as a fan-favourite for Miss Universe Philippines 2021 title. Miss International 2018 first runner-up Ahtisa Manalo would have been a part of the debut edition of Miss Universe Philippines, but she withdrew to focus on her health first.
From Candelaria, Quezon, Ahtisa graduated with a degree in Accountancy from the Manuel S Enverga University Foundation. At the Miss International 2018 pageant, Ahtisa was the youngest contestant participating in the pageant at just 20 years old. Her age did not slow her down as she won the first runner-up place. The stunning beauty has proven to be a strong contender when it comes to international pageants.
Being an only sister to her cousins had a grave impact on Ahtisa’s interests, and she wanted to be more like her uncles and grandfather than like any of the women in the family. She once dreamed of pursuing a career in public safety like her policemen uncles and soldier grandfather. She either wanted to pursue criminology or join the police force.
According to Ahtisa, winning isn’t about hard work and good looks alone. She believes that every contestant has these qualities in some or the other ratio. However, she believes it does come to destiny when the question of the big win comes. If Ahtisa gets the opportunity to represent Philippines at Miss Universe 2021 this year, the country will have a strong chance of winning the coveted crown after Catriona Gray’s big win at Miss Universe 2018.