Ahtisa Manalo shares POV in Miss Universe walkout mess, runner-up finish

December 24 ------ Ahtisa Manalo has shared her perspective on the viral confrontation involving Miss Grand International president Nawat Itsaragrisil and Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch, who was the eventual winner of Miss Universe 2025.

Manalo, who represented the Philippines and finished as third runner-up at the 74th Miss Universe pageant, offered her firsthand account of the tense moment between Nawat and Bosch in a recent interview with Vice Ganda. The incident occurred at a pre-sashing ceremony in November when Nawat singled-out Bosch for allegedly failing to comply with local promotional requirements. “Dumating siya (Nawat) tapos nagsabi siya there are 20 girls not cooperating with the organization daw. Sabi niya, ‘Oh, ta[Nawat] as niyo ‘yung kamay niyo, sino ‘yung 20 girls.’ Walang tumataas, ilang beses siya nagtanong,” Manalo narrated.

Manalo said tension escalated after the question was repeatedly met with disregard, which eventually led to Bosch walking out of the conference hall with the other delegates following suit. “Siguro ‘yung tita mo (Nawat) nagalit. Tapos ang ginawa niya, pinin-point niya si Miss Mexico,” she recalled. “Ewan ko sinong unang pumitik sa kanila, pero sabi ni Miss Mexico sa kaniya, ‘Do you just like drama?’ So siguro ‘yung tita mo lalong nainis. Tapos pinatawag na ‘yung security,” she added.

When asked about claims circulating online that Nawat allegedly called Miss Mexico “dumb,” Manalo said she did not hear such a remark. “Not according to my hearing, eh medyo bingi din ako, hindi ako sure,” she explained. Earlier this month, Nawat filed a criminal complaint against Bosch over “repeated defamatory statements” made against him after their heated exchange.

Source: inquirer.net