Ahtisa Manalo honors iconic Filipina actress Paraluman in latest photoshoot

Ahtisa Manalo channels the muse in her as she did a photoshoot inspired by Filipina-German actress Paraluman.

On social media, the Miss Cosmo Philippines 2024 shared some sepia-colored portraits where she is seen sporting glamorous curls. Ahtisa also included in her post an old portrait of Paraluman, who like her, is a Quezon native. 

“I am proud to share a heritage with the legendary Paraluman, a name that has come to symbolize beauty, elegance, and grace,” Ahtisa said.

“A true icon from our province, Paraluman continues to inspire artists, poets, and dreamers,” she added.

Born Sigrid Sophia Agatha de Torres von Giese, Paraluman is a Tayabas, Quezon native with a German father and a Filipina mother. She graced the Philippine cinema in the 1940s, debuting in the movie “Flores de Mayo.” 

She was given the stage name Paraluman, which means “muse” for her stunning features and was often compared to Hollywood actress Greta Garbo. 

With a career spanning over 40 years, Paraluman became one of the faces of the Sampaguita Pictures, starring in several iconic films and earning four FAMAS nominations. 

She passed away in 2009 due to Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease at the age of 85 but left a stellar legacy in the Philippine Entertainment Industry. She was even immortalized in songs like The Eraserheads’ “Ang Huling El Bimbo” and Adie’s “Paraluman.”

Ahtisa is currently in Vietnam to represent the Philippines at the Miss Cosmo 2024 pageant. While in Vietnam, she and her fellow candidates traveled to Ninh Binh Province. She also bonded with Filipina-Kiwi actress-beauty queen Franki Russell, who is her roommate.

At the pageant's preliminary activities, the Quezon Province native won the "First Station" of Miss Cosmo's People's Choice Award. She is also vying for the Social Ambassador Award and has asked fans for support.

For the pageant's national costume competition, Ahtisa donned a Dyesebel-inspired costume.

Previously, Ahtisa assured her fans that she’s well and safe after spraining her ankle ahead of the competition.

The Miss Cosmo 2024 coronation night will be held on October 5 in Ho Chi Minh City.

Ahtisa previously represented the country at the 2018 Miss International pageant, where she was named first runner-up.

— Jade Veronique Yap/LA, GMA Integrated News