Ahtisa Manalo reveals she only 'assumed' Miss Universe Asia would be offered: “That’s the truth”
· Ahtisa Manalo confirmed on Fast Talk with Boy Abunda that the Miss Universe Asia 2025 title was never officially offered to her
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· The beauty queen admitted she only "assumed" the continental title would be extended, planning hypothetically to refuse it with her mentor
· Ahtisa 's Third Runner-Up placement in Miss Universe 2025 officially marks the conclusion of her 18-year pageantry career
· The confirmation puts an end to widespread speculation following the highly controversial Miss Universe 2025 competition won by Mexico's Fatima Bosch
Pageant darling Ahtisa Manalo has finally addressed the swirling rumors surrounding the alleged offer and subsequent refusal of the Miss Universe Asia 2025 continental title, delivering a dose of refreshing honesty that clears the air for her dedicated fans.
Source: Instagram
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Appearing on Wednesday’s episode of Fast Talk with Boy Abunda, the Filipino beauty queen, who brilliantly finished as Third Runner-Up in the highly controversial Miss Universe 2025 pageant, confirmed what many had suspected, that the title was never officially offered to her in the first place.
“In-assume ko lang, ‘di naman in-offer sa’kin,” Ahtisa confessed during the interview.
She further revealed that the idea of declining the title had been discussed beforehand with her mentor, Jonas Gaffud (Mama J).
“Nag-assume pa nga ako. Even before in-offer sa 'kin, sabi ko kay Mama J [Jonas Gaffud], ‘pag nag offer sila, 'wag na natin tanggapin,’” she said.
She quickly punctuated her statement with a clarifying laugh, emphasizing, “But that was just my assumption; it was never actually offered to me.”
Ahtisa 's revelation puts a decisive end to the speculation that circulated shortly after the pageant's conclusion in Bangkok, Thailand.
News reports had suggested that she turned down the continental title to honor her existing commitments and conclude her pageant run on her own terms.
While the refusal was hypothetical, her public confirmation now reframes the narrative, proving that the opportunity simply did not materialize.
This year's Miss Universe pageant, which crowned Fatima Bosch of Mexico amid significant controversy and allegations of unfair judging, marked the culmination of Ahtisa's 18-year pageantry career.
Despite the contentious atmosphere and intense scrutiny that followed the results—which included the resignation of another continental titleholder, Miss Universe Africa and Oceania Olivia Yacé, over issues of principle. Ahtisa accepted her placement with grace.
Following her performance, which secured the Philippines’ first Top 5 placement in several years, Manalo returned home in late November to a genuine hero's welcome.
She was greeted by a sea of fans, kababayans, and a grand homecoming parade, demonstrating the unwavering love and support she continues to receive from the Filipino public regardless of the final crown.
While her pageant days are now behind her, as she confirmed, her future remains bright. During the same interview, the former Miss International 2018 First Runner-Up also humorously recounted an exchange with Miss Universe Thailand national director Nawat Itsaragrisil, where he ribbed her about possibly joining his Miss Grand International pageant, which she politely declined.
Ahtisa’s transparent communication about the Miss Universe Asia title highlights her commitment to honesty, closing the book on her pageantry life with a clarified legacy rooted in authenticity and dignity.
Ahtisa Manalo is an admired Filipina figure celebrated as a beauty queen and entrepreneur, whose representation of the Philippines in global pageants garnered significant recognition for her poise, intellect, and dedicated advocacy. Her initial ascent came after securing the title of Binibining Pilipinas International 2018, culminating in her impactful performance as 1st Runner-Up at Miss International 2018. This achievement cemented her status as one of the nation's most formidable representatives in world competitions. Outside the pageant stage, Manalo channels her efforts into her business ventures and serves as a vocal advocate for youth empowerment. She actively collaborates with groups such as Alon Akademie, striving to create pathways and opportunities for young individuals from underprivileged communities. Her reputation is built on a foundation of grace and a genuinely warm demeanor, positioning her as one of the country's most respected and highly regarded beauty queens.
Recently, Ahtisa offered a candid reflection on her participation in Miss Universe 2025, reviewing the entire process that culminated in her Third Runner-Up placement. The beauty queen underscored the immense pride she felt in representing the Philippines and expressed profound appreciation for the strong encouragement from her supporters. Beyond the glamour of the pageant stage, she stressed the vital need to utilize her public status to drive her advocacy work and inspire constructive change. Her followers reacted with genuine warmth, publicly praising her poise, tireless dedication, and inspiring message.
It can be recalled that the beauty queen provided an emotional and sincere answer during the competitive Miss Universe 2025 Top 5 Question and Answer segment. She revealed that she started competing in pageants at the tender age of 10 primarily to secure funding for her education and to help her family. Her powerful response centered on the themes of perseverance, inner strength, and maintaining hope for individuals currently enduring difficult circumstances. Ahtisa's eloquent and moving delivery significantly bolstered her position, affirming her as a major contender for the final crown.
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Source: KAMI.com.gh
