MANILA, Philippines — Filipina beauty queen Ahtisa Manalo confirmed she will continue her work with nonprofit organization Alon Akademie following her participation in the Miss Universe 2025 pageant.
She said she aims to ensure that people from low-income backgrounds have access to proper opportunities.
During the question-and-answer segment of the Miss Universe 2025 coronation show, Manalo highlighted her advocacy with Alon Akademie, which focuses on education, youth empowerment, and leadership training. Her response received strong applause from the audience.
In an Instagram post on November 22, Manalo shared her commitment to continue supporting the organization.
“I will continue working with @alonakademie using my platform to make sure that people who come from low-income backgrounds are given the same opportunities as everyone else,” she said.
Alon Akademie advocates for training both minds and hearts, aiming to address the more than 2.1 million young Filipinos who are not in school, employed, or receiving skills training. Manalo introduced the organization in her “Beyond the Crown” advocacy video, emphasizing the need to prepare young people for leadership roles.
Although Manalo did not win the Miss Universe crown, she placed third in the “Beyond the Crown” segment and finished in the Top 5 overall, marking the Philippines’ return to the Miss Universe Top 5 for the first time since 2021, when Beatrice Luigi Gomez placed in Israel.
Mexico’s Fatima Bosch was crowned Miss Universe 2025, succeeding Denmark’s Victoria Theilvig.