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Ahtisa collaborated with young designers Kyla and Meira Yu, aged 16 and 12, for her national costume
MANILA, Philippines – Miss Cosmo Philippines 2024 Ahtisa Manalo wowed pageant fans on Wednesday, September 18, with her national costume that drew inspiration from Lalahon, the goddess of harvest and guardian of volcanoes in ancient Visayan folktales.
Describing Lalahon as a “protector and a force of destruction,” Ahtisa said the mythical creature is a reminder of “nature’s duality.” “Lalahon’s story reflects the balance between creation and destruction,” she added. “Her tale serves as a reminder to respect our environment, balancing progress with preservation.”
The two-piece sparkly brown ensemble features a halter top and a long skirt with high slit. Ahtisa completed the look with gold bangles, an arm band, and an anklet. In some of her photos, the Philippine bet is also seen posing with a sword.
Ahtisa wrote that her costume is meant to symbolize Lalahon’s “strength, resilience, and deep connection our people have with nature.”
The beauty queen from Quezon Province also took pride in having her national costume designed by Kyla and Meira Yu, who are only 16 and 12 years old, respectively.
“I am honored to have collaborated with talented young designers on this project, whose creativity and passion exemplify the bright future of our youth,” Ahtisa said, adding that she hopes to “continue providing opportunities for young people to pursue their dreams and develop their talents.”
Fellow beauty queens such as Katarina Rodriguez, MJ Lastismosa, and Franki Russell praised Ahtisa in the comments section.
Ahtisa is currently in Vietnam for the inaugural edition of the Miss Cosmo competition, wherein she hopes to be the first Filipina beauty queen to take home the crown.
In her introduction video, the 27-year-old delegate explained that she opted to participate in the Miss Cosmo pageant because she wants to be an “integral part of a pioneering organization that will change the history of pageantry forever.”
Ahtisa was proclaimed as the Philippines’ representative to the Miss Cosmo pageant after she secured a 2nd runner-up placement in the Miss Universe Philippines 2024 pageant. She previously finished as 1st runner-up in the Miss International 2018 competition.
The Miss Cosmo 2024 coronation night is set to take place at the Phu Tho Stadium in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on October 5. – Rappler.com
