PH bet finishes 3rd runner-up in Miss Universe tilt

National

FILIPINA bet Ahtisa Manalo closed her Miss Universe journey with a 3rd Runner-Up finish at the 74th Miss Universe pageant in Bangkok, Thailand on Friday, Nov. 21.

Manalo, considered one of the frontrunners in this year’s competition, delivered a strong and consistent performance throughout the night.

Her finish marked the first time since 2021 that the Philippines returned to the Miss Universe Top 5, following the placement of Beatrice Luigi Gomez.

Mexico’s Fatima Bosch was proclaimed Miss Universe 2025 as viewers around the world followed a tense and highly anticipated finale at the Impact Muang Thong Thani Arena.

Ahtisa shines in swimsuit, gown, and Q&A

Ahtisa captivated the crowd early on, earning praise for her immaculate white two-piece swimsuit and gliding elegantly onstage in a silver evening gown that highlighted her signature poised styling.

During the final question round, the Top 5 candidates were asked:

“If you win the title of Miss Universe tonight, how would you use this platform to empower young girls?”

Ahtisa responded with a message anchored in advocacy and lived experience:

“I work with an organization called Alon Academy where we work with young people to provide them opportunities to make them realize that it doesn’t matter what your life circumstances is, it doesn’t define where you will go. And I want to continue working with Alon Academy in a platform like Miss Universe to pursue making sure that people from low-income backgrounds are given the same opportunities like everyone else.”

Her answer drew cheers from Filipino fans at the venue and online, many calling it one of the most authentic responses of the night.

Earlier in the week, Ahtisa also made headlines for her fiesta-themed national costume and a Philippine Pearl–inspired preliminary evening gown.

Public reaction

Across social media, Filipinos expressed a mix of celebration and disappointment following the results.

Gabriella Carballo, Miss Eco International Philippines 2026, was among those who voiced dissatisfaction, writing:

“The fact that so many still tuned in despite all the pre-pageant issues showed how powerful of a platform Miss Universe always was. What a shame.”

The sentiment was echoed by celebrities and influencers who questioned the pageant’s scoring and decision-making process, prompting the term “Uni-Reverse” to trend online.

Many urged the Miss Universe Organization to release a more transparent breakdown of scores.

Drag Race Philippines winner and content creator Marina Summers added to the discussions, labeling the finale of her own show a “budol.”

Media personality Jervi Wrightson, known publicly as KaladKaren, also weighed in on the outcome:

“Ms. Philippines gave the most authentic, coming from the heart answer… one that truly came from lived experience.”(TGP)