Filipinos across the nation shared a mix of pride, humor, and surprise following the conclusion of the 74th Miss Universe pageant in Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday, November 21.
Representing the Philippines, 28-year-old Ma. Ahtisa Manalo delivered a strong performance, ultimately finishing as 3rd runner-up. She joined the Top 5 alongside Olivia Yacé of Côte d’Ivoire (4th runner-up), Stephany Abasali of Venezuela (2nd runner-up), Praveenar Singh of Thailand (1st runner-up), and Fatima Bosch of Mexico, who was crowned Miss Universe 2025.
Fans, celebrities, and pageant enthusiasts quickly turned to social media to express their reactions. Actress-comedian Vice Ganda was among the first to voice her thoughts, exclaiming, "Hanggang sa Miss Universe ninakawan nyo ang Pilipinas! Grabe!!! #MissUniverse2025"
Hanggang sa Miss Universe ninakawan nyo ang Pilipinas! Grabe!!! #MissUniverse2025
— jose marie viceral (@vicegandako) November 21, 2025
She also praised Manalo, acknowledging her hard work and performance: "She worked hard, performed well, and WON it."
Philippines let us all CONGRATULATE Ahtisa Manalo!!! She worked hard, performed well and WON it!!!!
— jose marie viceral (@vicegandako) November 21, 2025
TV personality KaladKaren weighed in, noting that while Miss Côte d’Ivoire delivered the most impactful and polished answer, Miss Philippines stood out for her authenticity.
Former Miss Universe titleholders also joined the conversation. Michelle Marquez Dee (Miss Universe 2023) admitted she was “speechless,” jokingly adding, “Tara shot puno.” Meanwhile, Catriona Gray (Miss Universe 2018) briefly expressed her surprise, questioning, “Wala na bang bearing ng Q&A sa MU?”
Netizens were quick to reference Gray’s own 2018 victory, humorously remarking that her reign on the runway is not over until a new Philippine queen takes the crown.
Others speculated that Mexico’s win might have been a sympathy gesture, following the earlier controversy between Fatima Bosch and Thai pageant executive Nawat Itsaragrisil during a pre-pageant event.
For Manalo, this pageant marks the close of an 18-year journey in the world of beauty competitions, which began when she was just 10 years old. Backstage, she addressed her supporters with grace and humility:
"That’s okay, things like that happen, that’s out of our control. But maraming maraming salamat sa suporta, always sa pagmamahal niyo. Let’s see what’s up next for me."
Despite the mixed reactions and controversies, one thing was clear: Ahtisa Manalo’s poise and authenticity captured the hearts of Filipinos, leaving a lasting mark on the Miss Universe stage.
