Dev Flores

DOTr Secretary Giovanni Lopez, accompanied by the delegates from the Bureau of Immigration and Office for Transportation Security, inspected facilities at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). The program is part of the agency's efforts for the highly anticipated influx of passengers this upcoming long holiday season.

In the departure area, the check-in procedure is now more convenient with the operationalization of self-check-in and bag drop counters. 

Immigration queues will be faster through the activation of new e-gates, operated by the Bureau of Immigration. This technology has facial recognition and passport scanning features. Through its security and verification features, passengers' security will be ensured. Illegal entry will also be prevented. The PRS e-gates and border control e-gates are scheduled to be fully operational by the second week of December.

On the DOTr-issued statement, Secretary Lopez stated the administration's focus on passenger welfare during the approaching holiday season:

"Ang sabi nga ng Pangulo, dapat mabilis at komportable ang ating mga pasahero. Kaya natin isinusulong ang digitalization sa airport kasama ang NNIC para mas mabilis at convenient yung overall passenger travel experience ng ating mga pasahero, lalo na’t nalalapit na ang kapaskuhan."

(“As the President stated, our passengers should experience the fast and comfortable system. Together with the NNIC, we are pushing for digitalization in the airport, to make the overall passenger travel experience faster and convenient, especially as the Christmas season is approaching.”)

This inspection, led by the DOTr, aligns and complies with the directives of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. to ensure that all terminals, docks, and airports are fully equipped and ready to efficiently handle the volume of travelers during long holidays.

‍

The New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) announced that new biometric immigration e-gates will be activated at NAIA Terminals 1 and 3 in December 2025.

The Bureau of Immigration will operate the e-gates, which use an Automated Border Control System with passport scanning and facial recognition technology.

The system aims to reduce wait times and ease congestion at immigration checkpoints.

‍

Our very own Ahtisa Manalo nailed it once again as she now secured her place as a 3rd runner-up at the 74th Miss Universe pageant. Every ounce of effort, from preparations to her performance on coronation night, has truly paid off.

Locals are still proud and grateful for Manalo, who fearlessly raised our flag high and shone brightly on the global stage, representing the vibrant and radiant side of the Philippines amidst adversities.

Ahtisa's poised and confident presence throughout the competition was consistently illuminating. From her national costume to her final walk, she embodied the brilliance, hospitality, and grace of the Filipinos.

Thank you, Ahtisa!

‍

Ahtisa Manalo owned the global stage yesterday with her poised and elegant performance during the natcos and preliminary match. More than just her confidence, Ahtisa’s presence shone brightly in Bangkok, representing the brilliance, hospitality, and grace of the Filipino.

“With every step, I become the living festival of the Philippines—carrying the brilliance of a thousand lanterns, the warmth of Filipino hospitality, and the timeless grace of María Clara onto the Miss Universe stage.” she posted in her Facebook post.

Her Festival Queen style in NatCos screams the symbol of beauty and cultural pride. The costume was inspired by the traje de mestiza, featuring camisa and saya, with a modest pañuelo draped across her shoulders. 

The concept of her costume pays tribute to María Clara, the literary icon of virtuous, modest, and dignified Filipinas.

The costume was influenced by history. The camisa, made from piña leaf fibers, gives honor to the patience and craftsmanship of the Filipinos, which has been passed down through generations. 

The vibrant colors of saya (or skirt) mirror the grandest celebrations in the Philippines, such as the Giant Lantern Festival in Pampanga, the Pahiyas Festival of Lucban, and the Panagbenga Festival from Baguio. The ensemble represents the history, tradition, and radiant festivity.

‍

The "Festival Queen" continued to fascinate the crowd in the swimsuit competition with her poised and confident walk in a blue two-piece swimwear.

‍

Later, in the preliminary match, she flaunted her stunning, sparkling midnight blue gown. 

The radiant gown and the natcos were both created by a prominent Filipino fashion designer, Mak Tumang. He is also known for his iconic design of the "Lava Gown" worn by Miss Universe 2018, Catriona Gray.

The event was also an opportunity to show the Filipino pride and excellence in craftsmanship. Simeon Cayetano, a Filipino designer, is the creative brainchild behind the national costumes of Denmark, Sweden, and Guinea.

Cayetano is proud to see that the excellence of the Filipino in arts and design is recognized globally. He is also looking forward to dress our own country’s representative in global pageants. 

“Nakakataba ng puso, it’s an overwhelming feeling. Syempre as a filipino, nakaka-proud na tinatangkilik ng ibang countries yung talents, yung craftsmanship na meron tayo. At yon, hoping, looking forward to the fact that sooner or later, mabihisan naman po natin naman yung sariling bansa natin.” 

“It warms my heart; it’s an overwhelming feeling. Of course, as a Filipino, it makes me proud that other countries are patronizing our talents and the craftsmanship we possess. I am hoping and looking forward to the time when we will be able to dress our own country’s representative.”  he said.

The battle is not yet over. Our very own Festival Queen, Ahtisa Manalo, will continue to shine once again to represent our country. Show your support on Coronation Night tomorrow at 9:00 AM PST.

‍

The crowd screamed so loudly when she owned the stage. Her beauty captivates the audience, making them show their loud support for our very own Miss Universe candidate, Ma. Ahtisa Manalo.

Her top is made from a textile woven from the fibers of pineapple leaves, which represents patience and pride of the skilled Filipinos. 

The vibrant colorful skirt was inspired by the nation’s grandest celebrations, such as the Giant Lantern Festival (Pampanga), Pahiyas Festival (Lucban), and Panagbenga Festival (Baguio). 

Every vibrant color in her dress, plus the elegance in her performance, embodies good vibrations, local celebrations, history, and traditions.

Let’s watch her shine again during the Coronation Night on November 21, 2025.

‍