Several Filipinos questioned the results of the 74th Miss Universe, which concluded with Mexico’s Fátima Bosch Fernández taking home the coveted crown in Thailand on Friday, November 21.
READ: Mexico’s Fátima Bosch Fernández crowned Miss Universe 2025
Many had pinned their hopes on Ahtisa Manalo of Quezon Province, who impressed during the preliminaries with her strong stage presence in the national costume, swimwear, and evening gown segments.
Others were also optimistic that Olivia Yacé of Côte d’Ivoire would win the crown due to her flawless answer during the question-and-answer portion.
“OH MS. COTE D’ IVOIRE….. I have to give you a massive round of applause. THAT WAS A FLAWLESS ANSWER,” drag queen Marina Summers wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Despite their perceived standout performances, Ahtisa and Olivia ultimately finished as third and fourth runners-up, prompting some fans to question how the results were determined.
READ: Ahtisa Manalo finishes as 3rd runner-up at Miss Universe 2025
“Naka-reverse ba ‘yung results…” Cup of Joe vocalist Gian Bernardino asked. His comment has garnered 13,000 likes.
“I’m so confused,” Miss Universe 2023 Top 10 Michelle Dee wrote. Her post has been liked by 32,000 users.
“MEXICO AND THAILAND WERE THE WEAKEST IN THE TWO [Q&A] ROUNDS. How [did] they end up in the top two?!???? #MissUniverse,” Marina Summers exclaimed.
Entertainment reporter MJ Felipe had the same thought as Gian’s.
“Why do I have a feeling na baligtad ang pagkakabasa…” he wrote, referring to the Top 5 placements of Miss Universe 2025.
“Miss U [Miss Universe] – si Cote d Ivorie, 1st RU [runner-up] – si Ahtisa, 2nd RU si Vene [Venezuela], 3rd RU si Thailand, at 4th si Mexico!!!! FEELING KO BALIGTAD ANG PAGKAKABASA!!!!!!!” MJ exclaimed with emojis.
“Miss Nireverse 2025! Lol,” GMA reporter Joseph Morong commented.
“It’s Showtime” host and pageant fan Vice Ganda also had strong reactions.
“Hanggang sa Miss Universe, ninakawan niyo ang Pilipinas! Grabe!!! #MissUniverse2025” she exclaimed.
“Unacceptable!!!!! #MissUniverse2025,” Vice wrote in another post.
“ABSOLUTE FOOLERY,” singer-actress Alexa Ilacad commented.
“But also…? Wala na ba bearing ng [Q&A] sa MU [Miss Universe]?” Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray said in her Instagram Broadcast Channel with emojis of a broken heart and an extremely sad face.
Content creator and podcaster Macoy Dubs was also baffled following the Miss Universe 2025 results: “First of all…???”
“SIMPLEHAN NATIN MGA SIS. Tinanong ka ng propeta ng same questions sa lahat ng students, tapos ‘yung sagot mo walang konek. Sino bibigyan ng 100? Eme,” he commented.
In an interview, ABS-CBN correspondent Dyan Castillejo quipped that Filipinos “feel” Ahtisa should have a higher placement in Miss Universe 2025.
The Pinay beauty queen laughed and said, “That’s okay, you know, things like that happen. That’s out of our control, but, maraming, maraming salamat po sa suporta — always — sa pagmamahal niyo.”
Miss Universe is among the most prestigious beauty pageants worldwide which claims to “empower and inspire women to shape a better world” through its platform.
