MANILA, Philippines — Miss Universe 2025 third runner-up Ahtisa Manalo received a hero’s welcome early Tuesday as she returned from Thailand, greeted by a crowd of supporters who waited past midnight at Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
Manalo arrived at 1:30 a.m., wearing a metallic brown lace terno designed by Franco Miguel Salvatorre. She thanked fans for staying late to welcome her home.
“Thank you. Especially to those who are here — it’s already morning. Thank you for waiting. Thank you for the support, the love, the trust, everything. I hope it continues even when I’m no longer in pageants,” she told the media.
Addressing fan disappointment over her placement, Manalo, who was named third runner-up after Mexico’s Fatima Bosch was crowned Miss Universe 2025 on November 21, said: “It’s not under our control anymore. All we can do is do the best under our control, and that’s it. Whatever the result is, we have to accept it. That’s what the organization announced.” She declined the Miss Universe Organization’s offer to promote her to the “Miss Universe Asia” continental title, choosing instead to honor her current commitments.
The 74th edition of Miss Universe saw Thailand’s Praveenar Singh win first place, Venezuela’s Stephany Abasali take second, Manalo as third runner-up, and Côte d’Ivoire’s Olivia Yacé in fourth place. The results sparked controversy after reports of issues involving the pageant owners and the resignation of several judges before and after the coronation night.
Amid the controversy, Yacé announced on Monday that she was stepping down as Miss Universe Africa & Oceania and withdrawing from all responsibilities tied to her crown. Her national organization, Comici, supported the decision.
While Yacé did not explicitly blame the controversial results, the timing suggests the pageant outcome influenced her decision. Many fans had expected her to place higher.
Comici announced Yacé’s resignation on Facebook, noting she had returned her sash. In a personal Instagram statement, Yacé said, “As the representative of Côte d’Ivoire at the Miss Universe 2025 competition in Bangkok, I witnessed firsthand that I was capable of accomplishing great things despite adversity. But to continue on this path, I must remain true to my values: respect, dignity, excellence, and equal opportunity — the strongest pillars that guide me.”
She added, “Stepping away will allow me to dedicate myself fully to defending the values I hold dear,” reaffirming her advocacy for youth to “push their limits” and embrace spaces where they may feel they do not belong.
