Miss Universe 2014 Top 10 MJ Lastimosa reacted to memes about her national costume amid buzz over Philippine bet Ahtisa Manalo‘s ensemble at Miss Universe 2025 prelims.
The former beauty queen reposted content from an Instagram user that juxtaposed her “Panagbenga” national costume in Miss Universe 2014 with Ahtisa’s “Festejada” ensemble.
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The Instagram post captioned MJ’s attire with the text: “WHO ARE YOU?”
“I’M YOU! BUT BETTER!” the other text reads for Ahtisa’s outfit.
MJ saw the post and shared her reaction Instagram Stories, writing: “Wahhhh hahahahaha”
MJ also reposted a content that featured an edited image of her in the background of one of Ahtisa’s pictures.
“Grabe kayo kay @mj_lastimosa,” the Instagram user wrote.
MJ also reacted to another edited image showing Ahtisa holding what appeared to be a figurine of the former beauty queen.
“Sayang, nakalimutan ang hand prop ni Ahtisa, ito talaga ‘yun eh, ‘di ba kumareng MJ. Ikaw talaga dapat [‘yung] itataas taas ni Ahtisa, sabay hagis sa audience, ‘di ba, mare,” a Facebook page quipped.
“Todo na siguro ‘to, no? Let’s goooo,” MJ wrote as a response.
She also reacted to another post that merged her national costume with Ahtisa’s.
“Ibang natcos ata napanuod ko,” MJ commented.
Ahtisa’s national costume featured a flamboyant full skirt with design elements inspired by Philippine festivals such as the Giant Lantern Festival, Pahiyas and Panagbenga. It was designed by Mak Tumang, who famously created Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray’s “lava gown.”
Meanwhile, MJ’s national costume in Miss Universe 2014 was inspired by the Panagbenga, the renowned flower festival in Baguio City, and was created by Colombian fashion designer Alfredo Barraza.
Ahtisa is vying for the Philippines’ fifth crown in Miss Universe 2025, which will hold its coronation in Thailand on Friday, November 21.
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