MARIA Ahtisa Manalo, who represented the Philippines in the Miss International 2018, finished first runner-up in the pageant held Friday, November 9, in Tokyo, Japan.
Manalo made it to the pageant after winning the 2018 Binibining Pilipinas title in March this year. She is an Accountancy graduate from Candelaria, Quezon.
Miss Venezuela Mariem Velazco was named the Miss International 2018.
In her speech, Velazco said Friday's victory was "the best gift" she has ever received. She thanked her friends and family for supporting her.
"This is for Venezuela," she said.
The other winners are:
2nd runner-up -- Miss South Africa Reabetswe Sechoaro
3rd runner-up -- Miss Romania Bianca Tirsin
4th runner-up -- Miss Colombia Anabella Castro Sierra
Seventy-seven candidates from different countries vied for the crown Friday, November 9. (SunStar Philippines)