Miss Universe Philippines Organization named 'Best National Pageant'

The Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) Organization was given the “Best National Pageant” award by the Miss Universe Organization.

On Instagram, the MUPH organization expressed gratitude for the recognition, saying they are deeply honored and grateful.

The award was received by MUPH president and CEO Jonas Gaffud shortly after the coronation night held in Thailand on Friday.

“It is a testament to the values that guide us and the incredible community that supports our mission year after year,” MUPH said. “At the heart of our pageant is an unwavering commitment to women empowerment and social resposibility, We take immense pride in the way we conduct our competition with integrity and fairness ensuring that every delegate is celebrated, respected, and given the platform she deserves.”

The organization also highlighted the work that goes into shaping the pageant experience beyond coronation night, saying its team strives to deliver a national pageant that not only entertains fans and creates meaningful moments for delegates but also provides opportunities for partnerships and advocacy work. 

“This recognition strengthens our passion to continue elevating the pageant experience in purposeful and impactful ways. Thank you to our delegates, supporters, partners, and fans for believing in our vision,” it said. “We hope that all pageants can be the best for women that truly celebrates and elevates women.”

The Philippines was represented by Ahtisa Manalo, who finished her Miss Universe 2025 journey as the third runner-up.

During the coronation night, Athisa stunned in her white two-piece during the swimsuit portion and an elegant silver piece during the evening gown portion.

For the question and answer portion, Ahtisa and the other Top 5 candidates were asked, “If you win the title of Miss Universe tonight, how would you use this platform to empower young girls?"

Ahtisa answered, “I work with an organization called Alon Akademie where we work with young people to provide them opportunities to make them realize that it doesn’t matter what your life circumstances is, it doesn’t define where you will go. And I want to continue working with Alon Academy in a platform like Miss Universe to pursue making sure that people from low-income backgrounds are given the same opportunities like everyone else.”

Earlier this week, Ahtisa made waves with her fiesta-themed national costume and Philippine Pearl-inspired evening gown during the preliminary competition.

Meanwhile, Mexico’s Fatima Bosch was named Miss Universe.

—Carby Rose Basina/JCB, GMA Integrated News