Ahtisa Manalo assures fans she's OK after spraining her ankle ahead of Miss Cosmo 2024

Ahtisa Manalo has released a statement after spraining her ankle at the Miss Cosmo 2024 competition.

On social media, the Filipina beauty queen assured her fans that she's well and safe and just needs to rest to heal and recover.

"I'm sad to miss our activity today where I can interact with supporters, sponsors and other candidates but my health and recovery is my top priority now. Thank you my loves! And wish me a speedy recovery para laban na ulit!" Ahtisa said.

Ahtisa flew to Vietnam earlier this month to represent the Philippines on the international stage. 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.

During 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 asked fans for support.

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

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

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

—Jade Veronique Yap/MGP, GMA Integrated News