[5]At the end of the pageant, Manalo was crowned Binibining Pilipinas International 2018 by outgoing titleholder Maria Angelica de Leon.

At 20, I realized that I can speak for good causes to a wider audience that's why I joined our national pageant.If I become Miss International, I would continue being the voice of the youth, in showing that nothing is impossible with hardwork and determination.

[19][20] Her withdrawal prompted accusations of her staging a publicity stunt, though, she clarified that she filed the application as late as possible as she was unsure of her decision to compete.

[24] At the preliminary competition, Manalo won eight special awards from the pageant's sponsors, the most of any contestants that year.

[24] In response, Manalo confirmed that she chose the title, citing her experiences in the startup industry and her love for "being part of making something out of nothing".

In the pre-pageant activities, Manalo won the First Station of the People's Choice Award, which guaranteed her entry into the top 10.

[31] During the national costume event on September 19, Manalo showcased an orange ensemble designed by Ehran Montoya, intended to resemble Dyesebel, a popular fictional mermaid.

[35] Manalo works with the Alon Akademie organization, which focuses on enriching the "global citizenship, social skills, and entrepreneurial mindset" of children.

[36] In an interview with the Philippine Entertainment Portal on August 17, 2019, following her reign as Binibining Pilipinas International, Manalo stated that she has been running two cafés in Australia—Cafe Noun and Call Me Harris.

[37] UniverseCatriona Gray InternationalAhtisa Manalo SupranationalJehza Mae Huelar Grand InternationalEva Psychee Patalinjug IntercontinentalKaren Gallman GlobeMichele Gumabao