Ahtisa Manalo says Miss Universe Asia was 'never offered' to her

Ahtisa Manalo has set the record straight: She didn’t decline the Miss Universe Asia 2025 title because it was never offered to her in the first place.

On Wednesday’s episode of “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda,” the Miss Universe 2025 3rd runner-up confirmed the title was not hers for the taking and added that had it been offered to her, she would have refused it.

“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.

“Pero in-assume ko lang, ‘di naman in-offer sa’kin,” Ahtisa clarified.

The beauty queen from Quezon returned to the country in late November after her stint at Miss Universe 2025 held in Bangkok.

On Tuesday, she had a homecoming parade where she was warmly welcomed by her kababayans and sea of fans.

Ahtisa finished as third runner-up in Miss Universe 2025, marking the end of her pageantry journey after 18 years.

Mexico's Fatima Bosch won the crown. — LA, GMA Integrated News