Ahtisa Manalo Clarifies Rumors About Her Rejecting the Miss Universe Asia 2025 Title

Weeks after its conclusion in Bangkok, the Miss Universe 2025 competition continues to be at the center of controversy. From reports of rigging to discriminatory statements, the pageant's organizing body has been immersed in hot water, prompting criticisms from industry experts and fans alike.

After her grand homecoming last December 2, 3rd runner-up and the Philippines' Ahtisa Manalo aired her sentiments on the contest in an interview with Boy Abunda. One of the rumors she addressed included claims that she refused the regional title of Miss Universe Asia.

In an episode of Fast Talk with Boy Abunda, the veteran host asked Ahtisa for her two cents on the different controversies linked to the pageant. In his words, it was a "scandal-ridden Miss Universe."

Despite this, the beauty queen says that she wasn't disappointed by the experience in general, sharing: "I was living my dream. And I was focused on getting the goal of Miss Universe 2025. Frankly, for everything else around me, I really didn't care that much... there will always be drama wherever you are in life, so focus lang ako."

Among the issues that arose from the 74th edition of the competition was the assignment of regional winners. Rumors circulated that Ahtisa was initially offered to be Miss Universe Asia, a title previously held by her predecessor Chelsea Manalo. When prompted by Tito Boy, the candidate clarified: "It was never offered to me in the first place."

According to Ahtisa, she did pre-empt the offer for the title, but she was already set on not accepting it. It was a conversation she had already settled with Jonas Gaffud, her "Mama J," and one of the heads of the Miss Universe Philippines organization. "Even before in-offer sa'kin, sabi ko kay Mama J, 'Kapag nag-offer sila, 'wag na nating tanggapin.' Pero in-assume ko lang, 'di naman nila in-offer talaga."

Ahtisa goes on, emphasizing that she wasn't sure how the rumor stemmed from. "I don't know anymore what the talks were between Mama J and the organization, but on my behalf, it was never offered to me," she states. The title of Miss Universe Asia was formally assigned to Zhao Na of China, who placed in the Top 12.

When asked about the other controversies during the pageant—which included incidents of candidates unfollowing each other on social media, Miss Côte d'Ivoire Olivia Yacé resigning as Miss Universe Africa and Oceania, and winner Fatima Bosch's dispute with director Nawat Itsaragrisil—Ahtisa affirms that she prefers to "stay in her lane."

"I've been in pageants for 18 years," she says to Tito Boy. "And I know that not all news are factual when it comes to pageants. It's hard to know kung ano yung chismis at kung ano yung totoo." She adds that she avoids voicing her thoughts unless she is presented with credible information. "But if I'm presented facts, then I may change my opinion," she ends her statement.