Ahtisa Manalo talks about the controversial Miss Universe 2025 pageant: 'There will always be drama wherever you are in life'
Miss Universe 2025 third runner-up Ahtisa Manalo has made her triumphant return to the Philippines and has answered every burning question surrounding the pageant's headline-making controversy.
In a guesting for Fast Talk With Boy Abunda, Manalo spoke candidly about the whole Miss Universe 2025 debacle. She addressed the question of whether she was disappointed with her placement, saying, "Not at all."
"I was living my dream and I was focused on getting the goal of Miss Universe 2025, and frankly, everything else around me, I really didn’t care that much for whatever was happening around me. In the sense that ang goal ko maging Miss Universe 2025. And there will always be drama wherever you are in life. So akin, focus lang ako," she told Boy Abunda.
On Miss Mexico vs Nawat Itsaragisil
During the sashing ceremony last November, chaos erupted when Miss Universe Thailand National Director Nawat Itsaragrisil called out Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch, who is now crowned Miss Universe 2025, for allegedly not posting about Thailand and not taking part in Miss Universe Thailand's shoot.
Several accounts said Bosch stood up for herself and later walked out of the room, and later talked to the media, claiming that Itsaragisil called her "dumb."
When asked about the incident, Manalo said that it seemed like a "continuation of something else" that was already brewing behind the scenes.
"We were there, but I feel like before that happened, there were already issues behind it. Kasi, it felt like a continuation of something else," she said. "We’re only witnesses to whatever you saw also during the live."
The 28-year-old beauty queen from Quezon Province noted that it was hard to hear or understand what was being said clearly, as people had different accents. However, she empathized that the reaction was valid as "there were some strong emotions" that day.
"It’s not nice to be called out in front of a lot of people. I really think that whatever the issue was it could have been resolved privately. That's my stance on it kasi they're both adults," she said.
On the coronation night drama
When discussing the controversial coronation night—marked by boos and claims of a rigged result—Manalo maintained a detached and gave a rational perspective.
She stated: "It happened na. There will always be things in life na hindi natin magugustuhan yung resulta. And that goes for anything, even this competition. And to me, tapos na siya, wala na tayo magagawa about it. Let’s just move on with our lives."
Manalo, who graduated with a degree in accountancy, acknowledged the importance of proper auditing in any competition but refused to entertain the rigging rumors without proof.
"I've been in pageants for 18 years and I know that not all news are factual when it comes to pageants. It’s hard to know ano yung tsismis ano yung totoo. So for me, I make sure that I don’t judge based on what I hear. Especially if there’s no evidence to it," she explained.
According to Manalo, the contestants could not hear the boos from the audience from the stage, but upon hearing about the negative crowd reaction, she stressed, "It’s never nice to tear anyone down... No one would want to win that way."
After the coronation night, four more ladies were crowned Continental Queens, including fourth runner-up Miss Côte d'Ivoire's Olivia Yacé. However, days later, Yacé stepped down as Miss Universe Africa and Oceania and from any future affiliation with the Miss Universe Committee.
When asked about her reaction to this and the rumors that some delegates unfollowed each other, Manalo said she is focusing on her own goals.
"Ako kasi I stay in my lane. I have goals. I have things that I wanna do. I stay in my lane, hindi ko alam yung mga nangyayari na unfollowing," Manalo said.
The Miss Universe 2025 pageant ended with Mexico's Bosch as the winner, Thailand's Praveenar Singh as first runner-up, Venezuela's Stephany Abasali as second runner-up, Manalo as third runner-up, and Miss Côte d'Ivoire's Yacé as fourth runner-up.
Aside from the third runner-up placement, Manalo also placed third in the "Beyond the Crown" competition. It is MUO's service-driven initiative aiming to advance social impact, leadership, and meaningful collaborations with global charities, promoting education, health, inclusion, and support for children, grounded in integrity and fairness.