Miss International Philippines 2018 Maria Ahtisa Manalo might have had her eye on the Binibining Pilipinas 2018 title, but, she always knew she was the perfect Miss International. People she knew had always told her so, and thus the news did not come as a shock. She is happy with her title and is now preparing for the Miss International 2018 pageant.

“I was like one of the boys growing up,” Ahtisa, told a section of the media. “I was the only girl because my cousins are all boys. Teks (texted game cards), Pogs, pellet guns, name it, I played with it,” she elaborated.

Being ‘like one of the boys’ 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.

However, fortunately for the Philippine pageantry circuit, Ahtisa was persuaded by her mother to take up the task of being a beauty queen.

On being asked what her plans for the near future are, she says, “During my early years in college, I discovered that I enjoy some aspects of Accounting.”

“But I have to set aside any plans of taking the board exam, as I have to focus first on Miss International,” she added.

Ahtisa elaborates that she has started hitting the gym, and will also be taking Nihongo lessons soon. In July, Ahtisa will be travelling to Japan to familiarize herself with Japanese culture for the Miss International 2018 pagenat that will take place in Tokyo on 9th November, 2018.

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.

Well we truly hope her destiny lands her a hand when she needs one at the Miss International 2018 pageant in Japan later this year.