Filipino pageant fans expressed widespread disappointment online following the announcement of the Miss Universe 2025 winners, despite strong praise for the Philippines’ bet Ahtisa Manalo, who finished as third runner-up at the coronation held Friday in Nonthaburi, Thailand.
While Manalo’s placement marked the Philippines’ return to the Miss Universe Top 5 for the first time since 2021, many viewers felt she deserved a higher ranking—echoing strong reactions from celebrities and fans across social media.
Among the first to react was ‘It’s Showtime’ host Vice Ganda, who posted a series of emotional one-liners on X (formerly Twitter): “Hanggang sa Miss Universe ninakawan nyo ang Pilipinas! Grabe!!! #MissUniverse2025”
“Ha???!!!!! Quing inaniooooo!!!! #MissUniverse2025”
“Yung magagandang sagot 3rd and 4th??? Tapos yung di mo expected yun ang nanalo?? Ha?? Baka baliktad yung sulat???”
“ung dalawang walang kwentang sagot ang naglaban hahahaha”
“Unacceptable!!!!! #MissUniverse2025”
Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee also expressed confusion: “I’m so confused.”
“speechless #missuniverse2025”
Actress Ruffa Gutierrez posted: “IM SHOCKED!!”
She added, “The two strongest contenders, in my opinion, ended up placing the lowest at Miss Universe 2025. They deserved a higher placement! #MissUniverse2025”
Showbiz personality John Lapus echoed fan sentiments: “Nabaligtad yata ang list!”
Journalist Joseph Morong also joked about the order: “Ndi ba in reverse order to?”
“Pretty much sums it up.”
Actor Awra Briguela wrote: “BALIKTAD HATA PAG KAKABASA #MissUniverse2025”
Despite the reactions, many Filipinos remained proud of Manalo for delivering another strong performance on the international stage.
Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach congratulated Manalo in a message shared online: “What an inspirational journey you’ve had and this is just the beginning. Thank you for carrying the Philippines with so much beauty, heart, and purpose. We are so proud of you… keep shining!! We love you, @ahtisa!”
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray wrote: “So proud. We all saw how you left your heart on that stage. Our queen @ahtisa”
Vice Ganda also congratulated the Filipina representative: “Philippines let us all CONGRATULATE Ahtisa Manalo!!! She worked hard, performed well and WON it!!!!”
Ruffa Gutierrez added: “Ahtisa, you remain a queen in our hearts… continue to shine and conquer the universe!!! #MissUniverse2025”
The announcement of Fatima Bosch of Mexico as Miss Universe 2025 was met with significant backlash, particularly on Facebook. As of this writing, the official Miss Universe page—with more than 14 million followers—has not yet posted Bosch’s coronation, with its latest update still showing Olivia Yace as fourth runner-up.
Meanwhile, the Miss Universe accounts on Threads and Twitter have already posted the full list of winners.
On Facebook, the absence of updates heightened the visibility of thousands of angry reactions from netizens.
At the venue, boos were also reportedly heard in the lobby of the Impact Arena following the winner announcement. Influencer Jomar Yee posted a clip showing the crowd loudly booing the newly crowned queen.
Controversy intensified after former Miss Universe judge Omar Harfouch—one of two judges who resigned days before the finals—claimed on Instagram that Bosch’s victory was influenced by business ties. Harfouch wrote:
“Miss Mexico is a Fake winner… Raul Rocha and his son urged me, week ago in Dubai, to vote for #Fatima Bosh because they need her to winn ‘because it will be good for our business’ they said to me!”
He also teased an HBO feature coming in May 2026 where he says more details will be revealed.
Miss Universe 2025 Final Results
- Miss Universe: Fatima Bosch (Mexico)
- 1st Runner-Up: Praveenar Singh (Thailand)
- 2nd Runner-Up: Stephany Abasali (Venezuela)
- 3rd Runner-Up: Ahtisa Manalo (Philippines)
- 4th Runner-Up: Olivia Yace (Côte d’Ivoire)
Bosch’s win closes a dramatic edition of Miss Universe marred by internal conflicts, judge resignations, and public disputes between MUO and Thai organizers.
The 74th Miss Universe was held at the Impact Challenger Hall in Thailand. The 2026 edition will take place in Puerto Rico.
