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The buzz surrounding Miss Universe 2025 continues online, especially among Filipino fans who can't stop talking about the pageant's highlights.

While many expressed love and support for the beauty queens, others questioned the results of the competition.

Amid the discussions, 3rd runner-up Ahtisa Manalo opened up about her journey in an exclusive interview with Vice Ganda.

Reflecting on the coronation night, Ahtisa revealed that if she were one of the judges, the competition would have felt like a close fight between her and Côte d'Ivoire's Olivia Yace.

"I was hoping that I would win, I thought it was between me and Côte d'Ivoire during that night because I was able to hear everyone's answers," she shared.

The beauty queen explained that during the earlier rounds, she focused solely on her own performance. But during the Q&A portion, she finally had the chance to listen to the other finalists.

"When you're there, when you're competing, you focus on yourself, you don't focus on other people pero 'pag Q&A na siyempre wala ka na magagawa dun so makikinig ka na lang, so I thought it was between me and Cote d'Ivoire. Syempre story ko 'to so ako'ng bida, syempre 'ako 'yung nag-judge, ako 'yung panalo," she added.

Despite not winning the title, Ahtisa received overwhelming love from Filipinos. She recently celebrated her grand homecoming in Candelaria, Quezon, following two festive parades in Manila and Pasay.

Ahtisa clinched the 3rd runner-up spot, while Olivia finished as 4th runner-up and was named Miss Universe Africa & Oceania—a title she later resigned from.

The crown ultimately went to Mexico's Fatima Bosch, who was hailed as Miss Universe 2025.

Take a look back at Ahtisa Manalo's pageant journey in this gallery: