The fallout from the 2025 Miss Universe competition continues, with Miss Philippines Ahtisa Manalo openly questioning the outcome during a recent podcast appearance.
Manalo, who finished as third runner-up, shared her thoughts while appearing on Vice Ganda’s podcast on December 22, reflecting on what she believes happened during coronation night. According to Manalo, once the competition reached the final question-and-answer portion, it became clear to her who truly stood out.
“Of course, I was hoping that I would win,” Manalo said. “I thought it was between Cote d’Ivoire and me during that night because I was able to hear everyone’s answers.”
Manalo explained that contestants are primarily focused on their own performances throughout the night and don’t closely observe others until the final Q&A. “When you’re there, when you’re competing, you focus on yourself, you don’t focus on other people,” she said. “But when it’s Q&A, of course, you can’t do anything, so you just listen.”
During the Top 5 round, candidates were asked how they would use the Miss Universe platform to empower young girls. Manalo highlighted her work with Alon Akademie, a nonprofit focused on youth entrepreneurship and education.
“I work with an organization called Alon Akademie, where we work with young people to provide them opportunities,” she said during the competition. “It doesn’t matter what your life circumstances are; it doesn’t define where you will go.”
Despite strong performances from Manalo and Côte d’Ivoire’s Olivia Yacé, the crown ultimately went to Mexico’s Fatima Bosch, a result that quickly sparked online speculation and allegations of favoritism.
Despite her loss, Manalo returned home to a hero’s welcome, with multiple parades and a grand homecoming celebration in Candelaria, Quezon.
The controversy didn’t end there. Days after the competition, Olivia Yacé resigned from her role as Miss Universe Africa & Oceania, stepping away from the continental title she had just received, for reasons she claimed were tied to her values.
Meanwhile, the Miss Universe organization has also been dealing with international criticism tied to other contestants.
Finland’s Sarah Dzafce was stripped of her national title following backlash over a racially offensive social media post, prompting a formal apology from Finland’s prime minister to several Asian countries.
Miss Iceland also resigned her title, citing personal and organizational concerns.