Miss Cosmo PH Ahtisa Manalo pays tribute to film icon Paraluman
Ahtisa Manalo is a classic Filipina in her latest shoot for Miss Cosmo 2024.
In her latest post, the Philippines' representative paid tribute to Filipina-German film icon Paraluman, a fellow native of Quezon Province.
"I am proud to share a heritage with the legendary Paraluman, a name that has come to symbolize beauty, elegance, and grace," Ahtisa said in an Instagram post.
In Seven Barretto's sepia-toned photographs, Ahtisa radiates elegance in a tube gown by Anthony Ramirez, paired with a vintage-inspired updo featuring soft curls.
"A true icon from our province, Paraluman continues to inspire artists, poets, and dreamers," she added.
Paraluman, whose real name is Sigrid Sophia Agatha de Torres von Giese, rose to fame in the 40s, debuting in the film Flores de Mayo.
She was dubbed the country's Greta Garbo, and later earned a name from Fernando Poe Sr. that means “a goddess-like woman.”
Paraluman died in 2009 and is remembered in songs like the Eraserheads' Ang Huling El Bimbo and Adie's Paraluman.
Last Saturday, The Miss Philippines organization announced that Ahtisa experienced a sprained ankle, leading to her absence from recent activities, including an activity where she can interact with supporters, sponsors, and other candidates. The organization, however, assured that she is "safe and opted to rest so she can be well enough to take on the coming challenges."
Ahtisa, who finished second runner-up in Miss Universe Philippines 2024, is vying to take home the first Miss Cosmo pageant crown held on Oct. 5 in Vietnam.
