PlayTime brings pageant fans together for an early-morning Miss Universe 2025 Watch Party in Makati

For Filipinos, Miss Universe isn’t just a pageant—it’s a full-blown national celebration.

When the three Bs—basketball, boxing, and beauty pageants—take the spotlight, the entire country hits pause and tunes in.

And for Miss Universe? PlayTime made sure fans didn’t just watch—they experienced it.

As the Official Journey Partner of Miss Universe 2025, PlayTime turned up the excitement with a vibrant community watch party at Monarch Makati on Friday, November 21, 2025.

It wasn’t just about catching the show—it was about creating a space where pageant fans could cheer, connect, and celebrate together.

Krizia Cortez, PlayTime’s Director of Public Relations, shared why this partnership with the Miss Universe Organization matters: “The partnership with the Miss Universe Organization is about celebrating women empowerment, embracing diverse cultures, and uplifting advocacies close to every candidate’s heart.”

She added that for PlayTime, it’s more than business, “We believe success isn’t just about revenue—it’s about giving back to communities.

“Miss Universe is one of the biggest global platforms that champions causes and advocacies, and that aligns perfectly with our mission.”

This sense of community is also exactly why PlayTime hosted the watch party—an event designed to unite fans and rally behind the Philippines’ very own Ahtisa Manalo.

“What inspired us to host a watch party is really to bring the community together, celebrate Filipino creativity, and of course, support our country’s flag bearer in Miss Universe,” Krizia explained.

WHAT YOU MISSED AT PLAYTIME’S MISS UNIVERSE WATCH PARTY?

Doors swung open as early as 7 a.m., and fans poured in—because when it’s Miss Universe season, every second counts!

The vibe? Electric from the get-go.

Before the official broadcast even started, the crowd was treated to an impromptu drag pageant featuring queens Marla, Sofia, Xitrina, Tyra, and Agatha serving looks and attitude like true contenders.

Hosting duties were owned by drag royalty Peabo and Lulu Wang, who kept the energy sky-high with witty banter and nonstop hype.

And just when you thought it couldn’t get better, the queens delivered lip-sync performances worthy of a Miss Universe talent crown.

Marla had everyone gagging with a DJ remix of Janina San Miguel’s iconic Binibining Pilipinas 2008 answer, while Tyra had the crowd screaming with her fierce take on Raye’s “Where Is My Husband!”

Then came the beats—DJ Anton Frederic dropped an upbeat set that had the venue buzzing, perfectly setting the tone for a day of cheers, anticipation, and pure Filipino pride.

EVERY ROUND, EVERY REACTION

As the screens lit up with the Miss Universe logo, the real journey began.

From the candidate’s introduction to the nail-biting Top 30, Top 12, and Top 5 rounds, Monarch Makati was a sea of excitement.

In between segments and commercial breaks, fans joined trivia games for a chance to win exclusive PlayTime prizes—because why stop at watching when you can win too?

But the loudest cheers? They were reserved for Ahtisa Manalo.

The first heart-stopping moment came during the Top 30 announcement. When Ahtisa’s name was called in the second batch of semi-finalists, the venue erupted.

Her swimsuit performance? Absolutely stunning—every appearance drew roars of approval.

The tension soared during the Top 12 reveal, and once again, the crowd went wild when Ahtisa’s name made it to the finals.

Then came the evening gown segment, where Ahtisa floated across the stage in an ethereal Val Taguba creation, looking like a goddess descended from the heavens.

Phones were up, voices were loud, and hearts were full.

Finally, the Top 5 announcement had everyone holding their breath.

When Ahtisa made the cut, the room exploded in cheers. It was pure joy, pure pride—a moment that proved Miss Universe is more than a pageant; it’s a shared dream for millions of Filipinos.

THAT PLOT TWIST EVERYONE FELT

The Q&A round was another nail-biter. Fans crossed their fingers, and Ahtisa delivered—and devoured!—answering with grace and confidence.

The cheers were deafening.

But then came the twist: when everyone thought the crown was hers (or Miss Côte d'Ivoire Olivia Yacé), Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch was announced as the winner. Gasps and sighs filled the air.

And then… the party kept going. Because at Monarch Makati, the celebration didn’t stop. Drag Race Philippines alumna Matilduh took over the decks, turning the watch party into an all-out after-party.

A NEW TRADITION

Despite the shocking twist in the results, Filipino fans never wavered in their support for Ahtisa.

If there’s one thing Miss Universe season proves year after year, it’s that the Philippines’ love for beauty and sense of community runs deep—and PlayTime is all in on keeping that tradition alive.

Krizia captured it perfectly, “Filipinos connect deeply to pageantry because it brings communities together through a shared love for beauty and creativity—and seeing that creativity shine on a global stage is something we all take pride in.”

She added: “Pageant viewings create communities. For PlayTime, we want to be part of that tradition because it aligns with our mission to elevate Filipino creativity and celebrate our culture. Miss Universe brings together individuals who share the same passions—and that’s exactly what we stand for.”

With the success of their Miss Universe watch party, PlayTime is setting its sights on creating more safe spaces for like-minded individuals to connect, celebrate, and be inspired.

Krizia shared: “We want these events to be more than just watch parties—they should be spaces where people find inspiration, meet others who share their passions, and feel empowered to chase their dreams. Through these efforts, PlayTime hopes to build communities that celebrate individuality while coming together for shared love and pride.”

For more information on PlayTime, follow the brand on its Facebook page.