Angelique Manto on her MUPh 2023 performance: ‘I left my heart out on that stage’
Angelique Manto has opened up about giving her all in her journey to the Miss Universe Philippines 2023 crown, which she concluded as second runner-up.
“I left my heart out on that stage, Universe,” she began her Instagram post on Sunday, May 14.
“I took every stride as if it was my last, I embraced every misstep that came along with it, I allowed fate to course through with its plan; free from tears, I wholeheartedly accepted when I only made it to the first cut. It was a feat on its own,” she wrote.
The beauty queen recalled how the universe had other plans for her. “It gave me one more shot. And I took it, badly. And when I finally had the chance, I spoke what my heart wanted me to say.”
As a former courtside reporter, the Pampanga bet said she’s still in awe of how the “screams of support” she only used to hear for the athletes she reported for have become such for her in her journey to her dreams. “You don’t know how full my heart has and is still feeling—I am eternally grateful.”
“I am not only my own story—I am a collection of stories of people who have experienced my struggles and even those who have helped build me to become the woman that I am,” she added in her post, where she also gave a special mention to her team, her boyfriend David Guison, and the Miss Universe Philippines Organization for their trust and support.
“Here’s to my next endeavor, next pursuit, and I can only hope to be with you still,” she said.
Manto made it to the Top 18 of the local beauty pageant, but initially didn't get called for the next round. Due to technical difficulties, however, the judges decided to disregard the Top 10 announcement and let the Top 18 compete for a spot in the Top 5, where Manto made the cut as determined via a manual tally.
She finished as second runner-up at this year’s Miss Universe Philippines competition, where Michelle Dee of Makati ended up winning the highly coveted crown. Pauline Amelinckx of Bohol was named Miss Supranational Philippines, while Krishnah Gravidez of Baguio was crowned Miss Charm Philippines. Christine Opiaza of Zambales, meanwhile, won first runner-up.