Ahtisa Manalo reveals why she backed out of Miss Universe Philippines 2020
Ahtisa Manalo opened up about her decision to withdraw from the Miss Universe Philippines competition in 2020, years after citing health concerns as her reason for it.
In an interview with showbiz reporter Dyan Castillejo, the 26-year-old beauty queen admitted she “was not ready” and felt that she still “had a lot of growing to do” at the time.
“I think when I joined Binibining Pilipinas back in 2018, I was very young. I was 20. I didn’t feel like I was able to utilize the platform to its full potential,” she said.
“I don’t think I was ready then. I felt like I had a lot of growing to do,” she said, adding that since the interval between Binibining Pilipinas 2018 and Miss Universe Philippines 2020 was short, she believed she didn't have “anything new to offer to the pageant scene.”
After taking a break from beauty pageants for years, Ahtisa ventured into the food business and established cafes in Australia as she focused on preparing for her next pageant.
“I think I’m a lot stronger now. I think I can handle a lot more things in a better way,” she said.
“I also feel being an entrepreneur has helped me in being able to utilize my skills,” she continued. “And, moreover, being able to see the potential that the Miss Universe Philippines platform has.”
Ahtisa has been familiar with pageantry since she was in elementary. She entered the pageant scene when she got older, with Binibining Pilipinas 2018 as one of her notable stints. She won the Bb. International crown and finished first runner-up in the international competition.
She opened up about her desire to clinch the Miss Universe Philippines title then.
“During the Binibining Pilipinas [2018], I really wanted the Miss Universe [Philippines] crown, but then it was not given to me,” she said. “But I was very happy with what I got and I thought then that I wouldn’t have the chance to do it na.”
“Now, I’m given the chance again to pursue that dream, so I’m doing it,” she continued.
Ahtisa cited health concerns as her reason for backing out of Miss Universe Philippines in 2020.
"Believe me that I want to give you the fight you want to see, but I honestly don't think I can manage to physically perform the duties of a candidate as this surely involves physically draining tasks,” she previously wrote in her Instagram story.
At the time, however, she still highlighted her dream of competing in Miss Universe someday. "For now, I am gonna work on getting back to my 100% and continue hoping to step on the Miss Universe stage one day," she said.
On Saturday, Jan. 27, Ahtisa was announced as the representative of Quezon Province for Miss Universe Philippines 2024. If she wins the local competition, she will serve as the country's bet at this year's Miss Universe tilt, which will be held in Mexico.