Chelsea Manalo has once again made the Philippines proud by winning the Miss Universe 2024 Best National Costume Award. Her breathtaking Hiraya ensemble, crafted by renowned Filipino designer Manny Halasan, captured the world’s attention and clinched the top spot in the competition. This achievement marks a historic back-to-back victory for the Philippines, following Manalo’s groundbreaking crowning as the first-ever Miss Universe Asia and Michelle Dee’s National Costume win in 2023.
Filipino pageant fans had even more to celebrate when the Miss Universe Organization revealed that Chelsea Manalo’s ensemble had won this year’s Best National Costume, topping the fan vote. The exciting announcement was made via a short Instagram video posted on November 30, two weeks after the grand coronation, further solidifying Manalo’s place in Miss Universe history.
“Proudly representing their homeland! The National Costume is a way for contestants to share their country’s story, traditions, and values with the world,” the international pageant said in its social media post.
“Based on your votes, we’re proud to announce the top 3 National Costumes! Congratulations to our winner _@manalochelsea wearing @manny.halasan 💫,” the Miss Universe Organization announced.
Here is the final result of the Miss Universe 2024 National Costume Competition:
- Winner – Chelsea Manalo, Philippines
- Top 2 – Emilia Dides, Chile
- Top 3 – Nguyen Cao Ky Duyên, Vietnam
Here’s the video of the Miss Universe Organization announcing the Top 3 winners of the National Costume Competition:
Dubbed Hiraya (an ancient Tagalog word symbolizing hope and aspiration), the winning national costume was crafted by Bulakenyo fashion and jewelry designer Manny Halasan. The design depicts the cultural diversity of the Philippines and the history of Christianization and Islam in the country.
The award-winning costume features Filipino elements such as Inaul fabric from Sultan Kudarat, symbolizing Filipino Muslims; Tongkaling bells from Mindanao; Puni, a traditional art of folding leaf fronds from Bulacan; and an image of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage from Antipolo City representing the Christians faith.
Additionally, it included a crystal and pearl-encrusted ship headpiece symbolizing the Philippines’ historical connection to Mexico through the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade, which spanned from 1565 to 1815.
Take a closer look at Chelsea Manalo’s award-winning national costume designed by Manny Halasan here:
Manalo’s victory mirrored the achievement of her predecessor, Michelle Dee, who also won the Best National Costume during the Miss Universe 2023 edition.
Though her Miss Universe 2024 journey ended early as she reached only the Top 30 during the grand finals held at Arena CDMX on November 17 (Philippine Time), Manalo made history by being named the first-ever Miss Universe Asia. Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark took home the Filipino-made “Light of Infinity” crown crafted by the Philippines’ powerhouse jewelry brand, Jewelmer.
FIND MORE Good Show stories highlighting Filipino artistry on the world stage and celebrate Chelsea Manalo’s Miss Universe journey!
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