Many Filipinos did not filter their disappointment after Ahtisa Manalo, the country’s Miss Universe 2025 bet, ended her journey with a third runner-up finish.
Fatima Bosch of Mexico was crowned as Miss Universe 2025 at the 74th edition held in Thailand on Friday, November 21.
“Hindi ako satisfied sa result. Ahtisa delivered so well and Côte d'Ivoire. Baliktad pagka-announce ng winners. I am disappointed but proud of Ahtisa. She did her best,” Vince Disu said in an interview held at the watch party held in Monarch in Makati City, Friday.
“Not the results we expected but I am proud of Athisa. Flawless ng journey niya. I wanted her to win pero iba panlasa ng judges,” Alrenz Cabasa added.
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Some pageant enthusiasts were more vocal, saying they felt the results were not fair.
“Hindi tama judgment. May favoritism. Latin kasi. The battle for me is between Philipines and Thailand. They performed well, long gown, they answered the question — may fact check. Execution — Thailand and Philippines talaga,” Jose Karganilla reasoned.
Some of the fans at the viewing party praised the beauty queen’s “consistent standout” performance from her crowning as Miss Universe Philippines through coronation night.
“Pasabog lahat mula prelims hanggang finals sobrang proud lahat sa'yo Ahtisa,” Geoff Empleo enthused.
Several highlighted her “confident” and “impressive” answers in the Q&A portion.
“Walang kaba. From the heart. And it really was just her heart,” Cabasa pointed out.
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray also seemingly hinted being disappointed at the results of the 74th edition of the pageant.
“But also...? Wala na bang bearing ng q&a sa MU,” she asked in her Instagram broadcast channel “Updates with MUning.”
Unkabogable superstar Vice Ganda, meanwhile, did not hold back, live-tweeting her reactions throughout the event
The "It’s Showtime" host was not coy in expressing her dismay. Among her posts on X were “Unacceptable!!!!!,” “Hanggang sa Miss Universe ninakawan nyo ang Pilipinas! Grabe!!!”
The outcome nevertheless did not dim Filipino pride, celebrating Manalo’s unforgettable journey.
“Thank you Ahtisa for raising our flag,” Clint Aliswag said.
“You gave us hope,” Disu enthused.
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