Ahtisa Manalo
ahtisa/Instagram

The current frontrunner in the 74th Miss Universe pageant is the Philippines' own Ahtisa Manalo. The stakes for her campaign have never been higher.

The pressure to succeed and bring home the country's much-anticipated fifth Miss Universe crown is monumental, especially as Manalo's compelling journey of resilience, poise, and national pride captivates fans across the globe.

The highly respected pageant platform, Missosology, has officially placed Manalo at the top spot in its latest 'Hot Picks' list, confirming her status as the current frontrunner among the strong candidates. But this competition is about more than just a sash and crown.

For the Philippines, Manalo's victory would carry 'symbolic weight.' Missosology writers are clear: a win for the country's representative would 'cement Philippines' status as pageant superpower.'

The Unstoppable Aura of Ahtisa Manalo: Why She's Leading The Picks

The reason behind Ahtisa Manalo's top placement lies not only in her exceptional poise and polish but also in her deeply personal 'story of persistence, depth, and national pride,' according to Missosology.

Manalo's journey is one of a true pageant veteran, having started competing at the young age of 10 to help fund her education, and previously securing the 1st Runner-Up title at Miss International 2018.

Her current momentum is viewed as the culmination of years of tireless effort, including her earlier attempts to capture the Miss Universe Philippines crown.

Since setting foot in Bangkok, the host city for this year's competition, the beauty queen has been embraced by an enormous fan base, spanning not only her native country but also Thailand.

The excitement is palpable: Missosology notes that fans were 'delighted to see her in fighting mode ever since she set afoot in Bangkok,' confirming that she is 'just in perfect form, showing undeniable aura and palpable confidence.'

This air of confidence and commanding presence has made her one of the most closely watched candidates in this year's highly competitive roster.

Ahtisa Manalo's Path to Cementing a Pageant Superpower Legacy

The Philippines currently holds four Miss Universe crowns, won by Gloria Diaz (1969), Margie Moran (1973), Pia Wurtzbach (2015), and Catriona Gray (2018). Manalo is vying to become the fifth titleholder for the country.

This pursuit of a historic fifth crown highlights the intense national focus on her performance.

Manalo, an accountant by trade and an advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community and gender equality, brings a strong platform and intellectual depth to the competition.

Her multifaceted background—including her savvy as an entrepreneur and her passion for empowering youth through Alon Akademie—contributes significantly to her appeal as a modern queen.

Her resilience, having been raised by her grandmother and publicly acknowledging the absence of her biological father, adds a layer of emotional resonance to her public persona.

The 74th Miss Universe coronation night, scheduled for 21 November in Thailand, is rapidly approaching.

With Ahtisa Manalo leading the international predictions, all eyes are on her as she aims to solidify the Philippines' dominance in the world of beauty pageants and bring home that coveted fifth crown.

Writer's pick