At the MUph coronation, Alden Richards expressed regret for the “Steve Harvey” moment: “ Nasalo naman po ng ayos”

Alden Richards apologized for his "Steve Harvey" moment at the Miss Universe Philippines (MUPh) coronation when he mistakenly named Agusan del Norte's Jannarie Zarzoso as Miss Friendship, even though Zarzoso was the winner of the Face of Social Media Award.

“Nasa ilalim po [kasi] ‘yung Friendship, tapos nasa taas po ‘yung Social Media. Eh, Friendship po ‘yung una kong binanggit,” Richards explained, when asked about accidentally mixing up Zarzoso and Maquiran’s special awards.

“Wala naman pong may kasalanan, ayoko rin naman pong manisi ng tao. Na-address naman po, nasalo naman po natin siya nang maayos,” he further added.

Prior to the MUPh coronation, the Kapuso star served as a "Eat Bulaga" presenter, and he expressed grateful to the noontime program for serving as his training ground.

“‘Yun din po ang pinagpapasalamat kong training sa ‘Eat Bulaga,’ kung paano ko sasaluhin [ang aking mga mali]. So, naayos naman po, nasalo naman, at pareho naman silang nanalo,” he said.

During the interview, Richards acknowledged that the pageant's production team found his gaffe hilarious and appreciated his approach to moving on from it.

“More on natatawa po ‘yung [production team], kasi parang kung paano ko raw po na-handle ‘yung ganoong situation,” he said. “Pero kung pangit po kasi ang pagkakasalo nun, medyo ka-bash-bash po ‘yun, eh. Pero kung hindi po natin naitawid nang maayos, which is naitawid naman po. Naging maayos naman po ‘yung delivery ng awards.”

During the conversation, the "Hello, Love, Goodbye" actor expressed his desire to organize additional pageants in the future.

“Masarap po sa pakiramdam eh. Different experience po siya, kaya lang may sablay noong una. [Pero], sana hindi ‘yun ang huli. Sana makapag-host pa tayo ng ibang prestigious pageant,” he stated.

Aside from Richards, the pageant's major hosts were actor Xian Lim and Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi, while Tim Yap and Miss Globe 2021 Maureen Montagne presented from backstage.

At the conclusion of the contest, Michelle Dee was elected Miss Universe Philippines 2023, while Pauline Amelinckx and Krishnah Gravidez were named Miss Supranational Philippines 2023 and Miss Charm Philippines 2024, respectively.