It was the first Miss Universe pageant to ever be held in the Philippines, and in extension, Asia.

[2] Margarita Moran of the Philippines crowned her successor Amparo Muñoz of Spain at the end of the event, marking the first and so far only time Spain has ever won a Miss Universe competition.

Six months later, Amparo Muñoz, after refusing a planned travel to Japan, decided to relinquish her title.

[3] Helen Morgan, the first runner-up, was unable to assume the title and fulfill the duties of Miss Universe 1974,[citation needed] because she went on to win Miss World 1974, although a controversy would force her to resign 4 days later.

[4] The title of Miss Universe 1974 was not offered to any of the runners-up and Amparo Muñoz still remained as the official titleholder for that year.