Ipinagwagwagan ni Miss Universe Philippines 2025 Ma. Ahtisa Manalo ang makulay niyang fiesta-inspired national costume, sa ginanap na Miss Universe National Costume competition sa Bangkok, Thailand nitong Miyerkules, Nobyembre 19.
Sa Facebook post na ibinahagi ni Ahtisa, inilarawan niya ang kaniyang national costume bilang “living symbol of beauty, grace, and cultural pride.”
Ayon pa kay Ahtisa, ang suot niyang camisa, na may hugis-kampanang manggas, ay isang pagpupugay kay Maria Clara na simbolo ng isang Filipina.
“These elements pay homage to the beloved heroine of Dr. José Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere, María Clara—the symbol of the ideal Filipina: virtuous, modest, and dignified. Her name and her grace would forever define this attire, which later evolved into the modern terno, the national dress of the Philippines,” ani Ahtisa.
Aniya, ang natcos ay gawa sa hand-embroidered piña, na nagmula pa sa delicate fibers ng dahon nito. Ito raw ay nagpapakita ng “Filipino artistry.”
Kim Chiu, Paulo Avelino nagsasama na sa iisang bubong?
“Each thread speaks of patience and pride, echoing centuries of tradition passed down through skilled hands. The natural sheen of piña reflects the luster of the Filipina- resilient, radiant, and rooted in her heritage,” saad ni Ahtisa.
Sumisimbolo raw ang suot niyang saya sa pinaka-enggrandeng mga pista sa Pilipinas.
“The skirt is a festival in motion- inspired by the nation’s grandest celebrations: The Giant Lantern Festival of Pampanga, a kaleidoscope of light symbolizing hope and unity during the world’s longest Christmas season. The Pahiyas Festival of Lucban, honoring the harvest through vibrant greens, yellows, oranges, pinks, and reds — the colors of abundance and thanksgiving. The Panagbenga Festival of Baguio, the grand celebration of flowers, lending its blooms and texture to the design,” aniya.
“The Philippines is a nation of fiestas where every town and barrio bursts with rhythm, color, and devotion. This costume captures that collective heartbeat, weaving together history, tradition, and festivity into a single, radiant vision,” dagdag pa niya.
“With every step, I become the living festival of the Philippines- carrying the brilliance of a thousand lanterns, the warmth of Filipino hospitality, and the timeless grace of María Clara onto the Miss Universe stage,” pagtatapos niya.
Ang coronation night ng 74th Miss Universe ay isasagawa sa Impact Muong Thong Thani Arena sa Bangkok, Thailand sa darating na Biyernes, Nobyembre 21, kung saan susubuking sungkitin ni Ahtisa ang ikalimang Miss Universe crown ng Pilipinas.
Vincent Gutierrez/BALITA
