Dive into the glittering yet often turbulent realm of international beauty pageants, where competitors and organizers sometimes form unexpected connections—and a lighthearted exchange between two key figures has sparked plenty of buzz among fans!
We're talking about none other than Ahtisa Manalo, the Philippines' stunning representative who captured hearts as the third runner-up in the Miss Universe 2025 competition, and Nawat Itsaragrisil, the influential national director for Miss Universe Thailand and the mastermind behind the Miss Grand International pageant. Their adorable interaction unfolded right after the grand finale of Miss Universe 2025, and it was all captured in a viral video that's been making waves on social media.
But here's where it gets intriguing: On the latest episode of the popular talk show 'Fast Talk With Boy Abunda,' hosted by the charismatic King of Talk himself, Boy Abunda brought up this fun moment. In the clip, you can see Nawat striding up to Ahtisa on stage. They chat animatedly, burst into laughter, and even share a celebratory high-five—it's the kind of wholesome energy that reminds us pageantry isn't all about fierce competition; sometimes, it's about genuine camaraderie.
So, what was the conversation about? Ahtisa recounted how she praised Nawat for putting together one of the most spectacular stages and productions she'd ever experienced. 'It's all thanks to him,' she beamed, highlighting his role in making the event unforgettable. She even suggested they might collaborate someday down the line. But then, with a playful twist, Nawat teased her, jokingly proposing she join Miss Grand International instead. For those new to this world, Miss Grand International is another high-profile beauty contest that emphasizes empowerment, philanthropy, and global representation, often positioning itself as a fresh alternative to more traditional pageants like Miss Universe. Ahtisa, still chuckling, politely declined: 'Oh no, thank you!' It's a small exchange, but it perfectly captures the playful rivalry and mutual respect that can exist in this industry.
And this is the part most people miss, especially if they're not familiar with the backstage drama: Ahtisa has openly shared that her Miss Universe journey marked the end of her pageant chapter. In a heartfelt post-competition reflection, she expressed gratitude to the Philippines, saying the country is worth fighting for, and hinted she's ready to shift gears toward other passions. So, when Nawat's jest about Miss Grand came up, it was a nod to potential future opportunities, but Ahtisa's response underscored her commitment to stepping away from the spotlight.
But here's where it gets controversial: Boy Abunda didn't shy away from probing deeper, asking Ahtisa about her impressions of Nawat, who has been at the center of several heated controversies during the Miss Universe 2025 event. Some critics painted him as 'maligalig'—a Tagalog term for someone who seems bothersome or overly meddlesome—due to various disputes that arose backstage, including issues around fairness, scoring, and even some accusations of favoritism that dominated headlines. These controversies stirred debate among pageant enthusiasts, with many questioning the integrity of the process. Yet, Ahtisa offered a contrasting view, describing him as 'a kind person' and 'very proper' based on her personal encounters. It's a bold defense that challenges the narrative built by the media frenzy—was Nawat unfairly targeted, or does Ahtisa's positive take reveal a side of him that's overshadowed by the drama? This divide invites us to ponder: Does personal experience trump public perception in such high-stakes environments?
To tie it all together, Ahtisa secured a remarkable finish as the third runner-up in Miss Universe 2025, while Mexico's Fatima Bosch triumphed as the new queen. It's a reminder of how pageants blend glamour, talent, and sometimes unexpected twists.
What do you think—does Ahtisa's gracious response to Nawat reflect true sportsmanship, or should we dig deeper into those controversies? Is there a hidden rivalry brewing between Miss Universe and Miss Grand International, or is it all just friendly banter? Share your opinions in the comments below—we'd love to hear if you agree with Ahtisa's view or if you see things differently!
