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A post shared by Ma Ahtisa Manalo (@ahtisa) on Dec 10, 2019 at 2:16am PST

MANILA – Miss International 2018 first runner-up Ahtisa Manalo made a cryptic post on Instagram, prompting her friends and fans to ask if she is setting her sights on the Miss Universe Philippines crown.

“It’s time to give it a go! Bring your dreams with you!” she said.

Manalo did not give further details, but the timing of her post drew speculations that she is planning to join the new Miss Universe Philippines pageant.

She made the statement shortly after Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI) confirmed that it has lost the Miss Universe franchise in the Philippines. BPCI is the same group that sent Manalo as a representative to Miss International, as well as Catriona Gray to Miss Universe, last year.

• End of an era: After 55 years, Bb. Pilipinas says goodbye to Miss Universe crown

A separate namesake organization will hold the Miss Universe Philippines pageant starting in 2020.

The hashtag #AhtisaPa, a play on Manalo’s first name and the Filipino expression for “one more,” were used by the beauty queen’s fans as they feel that she will compete in Miss Universe Philippines next year.

Manalo’s batchmate, Bb. Pilipinas Supranational 2018 Jehza Huelar, also commented on the post with a simple “I see,” followed by a crown emoji.

Other titleholders who have expressed their support through emojis include Ariella Arida (Miss Universe Philippines 2013) and Karen Gallman (Miss Intercontinental 2018).