Ahtisa Manalo shared that her pageantry journey came to an end with the Miss Universe pageant.

The Filipino beauty queen said, “I feel like this is the perfect way to close that chapter of my life,” during an interview with Kara David for a podcast.

Ahtisa went on to say that she was pleased with the way her pageantry career ended. “I’m happy because I feel like I closed that chapter of doing pageants in a nice manner,” she said.

She shared that she might pursue entrepreneurship once more when asked about her future goals following her departure from pageantry. “Maybe I will go back to business. I think I want to do something with health and wellness,” she said.

Ahtisa had previously ventured in the food business.

She mentioned that she has an accounting background and that her schooling might still be useful for her future goals. “It is useful, it is very useful having a finance background and accounting background kasi you use it every day especially if I get into business again, I’m sure it’s going to be very useful,” she stated. “But in terms of getting the license, parang di ko na kayang mag-aral ulit,” she continued.

The beauty queen added that she is still receptive to whatever her future holds. ” “All my life, I’ve planned all my life, and this is one of the first times that I’m simply letting life be and that’s okay,” she said.

In this year’s Miss Universe competition, Ahtisa placed 3rd runner-up.

When asked if she was disappointed by her Miss Universe journey, Ahtisa said in a recent interview with Boy Abunda: “Not at all. I was living my dream and I was focused on getting the goal of Miss Universe 2025 and frankly everything else around me, I didn’t really care that much for whatever was happening around me. In the sense that ang goal ko was to be Miss Universe 2025 and there will always be drama wherever you are in life, so sa akin focus lang ako.”

After the pageant, Ahtisa shared a video of her performance from the competition, taking a trip down memory lane. On November 23, she wrote on Instagram, “After 18 years, I have finally arrived at my ultimate destination that is to represent the Philippines [on] the Miss Universe stage.”

She added: “My pageant journey may end, but the work continues. Let’s continue fighting for what we want —a better Philippines and a better universe. 🇵🇭🤍.”

In addition, the Filipino beauty queen promised to be involved with Alon Akademie, a nonprofit, after her time as Miss Universe.

“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 wrote on her Instagram account.

Additionally, Ahtisa shared additional details on the organization. “Alon Akademie is a non-profit dedicated to growing each child’s greatness. Through action-based learning, we create spaces where children can explore, create, and lead—turning ideas into impact. We guide them to become makers and leaders, shaping a future where every child, no matter their background, has the opportunity to thrive and change the world,” she wrote.