Miss Universe 2025 3rd Runner-Up Ahtisa Manalo candidly addressed her controversial Miss Cosmo journey, including a serious foot injury and online backlash from fans, during an exclusive episode of "Almost Honest" Podcast hosted by Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa.
Before her recent Miss Universe placement, Manalo was already a seasoned international competitor, having placed as 1st runner-up at Miss International 2018 and later joining the very first edition of Miss Cosmo in 2024, where she aimed to become its inaugural titleholder. Her journey in pageantry, however, was not without challenges.
In the podcast released last Wednesday, April 1, Ahtisa revealed that she suffered a sprained foot during the competition that turned out to be more severe than initially thought.
“I still couldn’t step on it without hurting it… apparently, there’s fluid that seeped into my bone marrow,” she shared, adding that doctors advised her to use crutches for 20 days. Despite the risk, she continued competing, saying, “I’m here for a reason… I’m fighting for the Philippines,” even if it meant performing in heels while injured.
Manalo first spoke about the incident publicly in a vlog interview with Vice Ganda on December 21, where she detailed her condition and what transpired backstage.
However, her statements drew criticism from some Vietnamese fans of Miss Cosmo, a Vietnam-based pageant, with some online users questioning and invalidating her claims.
Addressing the backlash, Manalo stood firm, expressing confusion over the reaction. “If anyone would be mad, it has to be me,” she said, emphasizing that she was the one directly affected by the incident.
She also reiterated her call for kindness among fans, especially after the pageant results. “Pageants are meant to empower women… I don’t think there is any reason to bully anyone,” she said, urging supporters to refrain from attacking the organization or the winner.
Despite the controversy, Manalo’s resilience and composure have been praised, with Verzosa noting her strong mindset and professionalism amid both physical and online challenges.
