Ahtisa Manalo. Instagram/@ahtisa
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray on Wednesday weighed in on the chances of Miss Universe Philippines 2025 Ahtisa Manalo bagging the Miss Universe crown.
Gray said the Quezon province beauty has an edge that other contestants may not have.
“She's my batchmate so I thought I'd talk to her. She brings the experience to the table and not a lot of contestants can say that. She can use that to her advantage because having that international competition experience gives you that kind of knowledge, that edge,” she said.
“I think that's a huge advantage for her. But then again, it comes with a lot of pressure when you wear the Philippine sash.”
'Ilalaban ko kayo lahat': Ahtisa Manalo is ‘10/10 ready’ after emotional Miss Universe send-off
Gray said that aside from being an incredible performer, one of Ahtisa’s strengths is her remarkable presence on stage.
“Even when she was young. To think that when she competed with me, she was only at least 21, 22. And her energy and presence on stage is already there. And it’s great to see that it's been refined, it's been amplified. And we're going to see a performance from her that we've never seen before. That's my hope,” she said.
The Miss Universe 2018 titlist said Ahtisa is in very good hands, with a dedicated team backing her up.
Asked if she has any advice for Ahtisa, she said: “My advice to Ahtisa is to really just protect her peace. To really find ways to endure because it is such a marathon. Even though it's a week to week, every day counts.”
“And I feel like she's built for the endurance of this. This is something she's working for and dreaming about for years. So I really believe in her.”
This is Shamcey Supsup’s advice for Ahtisa Manalo ahead of the Miss Universe pageant
NO BACKSTAGE STINT FOR CATRIONA
Meanwhile, Gray revealed she has not been invited as a backstage correspondent and sideline host for this year’s pageant despite doing the job for the past 3 years.
She said she received a message from the production team that there will be changes in this upcoming edition of the pageant.
“I’m sure they’re gonna get incredible hosts, I’m not sure who they are but I’m sure they’re gonna do an incredible job. And I guess I will be a pageant fan this year,” she said.
Gray won the crown in Bangkok, Thailand back in 2018 and co-hosting the pageant this year would have been a perfect full circle moment for her.
“I know! I decided to go on my personal tour. Just to be a part of the audience. Just to be there,” she said.
The Filipina beauty queen said she expects a lot of shifts and movement with the new management and new ownership of te organization.
“But more so, I’m really relieved and happy that natuloy yung competition in light with the recent death of Queen Sirikit. For Thailand, I know it’s a significant and meaningful event for them, and they’re on a period of mourning now.”