PHILIPPINE bet Ahtisa Manalo unveiled a costume that paid homage to ancient Visayan culture, made by young designers Kyla Yu, 16, and Meira Yu, 12.
On social media, Ahtisa was clad in a two-piece ensemble featuring a brown bra top and a long skirt with a slit. She also carried a sword—like a warrior goddess.
The costume was inspired by Lalahon, the goddess of harvests and guardian of volcanoes in ancient Visayan folktales.
“In ancient Visayan culture, Lalahon is both a protector and a force of destruction,” shared the 27-year-old Filipina beauty queen.
“She governs the harvest, blessing the land with abundance, while her volcanic power reminds us of nature’s duality. Lalahon’s story reflects the balance between creation and destruction—forces that shape the Philippines, a land of fertile plains and volcanic landscapes,” she added.
Ahtisa said she wanted to honor Lalahon who symbolizes Filipinos’ “strength, resilience, and deep connection with nature. This will also remind them to “respect our environment, balancing progress with preservation.”
She also commended the two young designers whose artistic skills “exemplify the bright future of our youth.”
“Through this work, I hope to continue providing opportunities for young people to pursue their dreams and develop their talents, just as 16-year-old Kyla and 12-year-old Meira have done with this beautiful creation,” the Miss Cosmo Philippines 2024 stressed.
Ahtisa continued, “Together, we can keep our cultural traditions alive while empowering the next generation to shape a future rooted in both heritage and innovation.”
Netizens in awe
Meanwhile, several netizens were in awe of the young designers’ creativity, with some saying they never thought a 12-year-old and a 16-year-old could create such a masterpiece.
“Grabe yung designers ng outfit mo here. 12 [and] 16 years old sila. Galing!” one Instagram user said.
“Creation of a 16-year-old [and a] 12-year-old?” another netizen said in disbelief.
One social media user thanked Ahtisa for providing a platform where young designers could showcase their talents.
“12 and 16 years old being a designer at a young age, thank you Ahtisa for showcasing their talents and creativity in a bigger platform,” they said.
Among those who praised Ahtisa’s costume were fellow beauty queens MJ Lastimosa and Franki Russell.
National Costume show
The Miss Cosmo 2024 competition kicked off on September 15 in Vietnam, with a sashing ceremony. The pageant’s National Costume show is set to take place on Thursday, September 19.
The Miss Philippines released a teaser for Ahtisa’s national costume, featuring fashion designer Ehrran Montoya.
“Any guesses as to what AHTISA’s national costume will be?” it teased.
Before this, the Filipina beauty queen won the “First Station” of the pageant’s “Cosmo People’s Choice” competition. This triumph will grant her a special “Hope Star” boost that will double her voting points in the “Final Stage: The Big Bang,” among other incentives.
The candidate who wins the “Cosmo People’s Choice” competition will automatically enter the Top 10 of the Miss Cosmo coronation night.
