Filipino-British beauty queen Christina Dela Cruz Chalk is continuing her journey toward the Miss Universe crown despite facing setbacks along the way.
Before earning the right to represent Great Britain, Dela Cruz represented the Filipino community in the United Kingdom when she competed in the Miss Universe Philippines 2024 pageant last May, but was only able to reach the Top 20.
That experience, however, did not stop the Pharmacology degree holder; instead, it propelled her to pursue her dream of competing on the international pageant stage.
Last July 6, this dream came true when the 30-year-old model and beauty queen earned the privilege of representing Great Britain in the upcoming 73rd edition of Miss Universe, besting 42 other candidates during the grand coronation.
After the pageant, Chalk took to social media to express her happiness now that part of her dream had been fulfilled.
“Many know this wasn’t my first, second, or even third attempt at @missunivsersegb [Face Holding Back Tears Emoji]. I loved making friends for life with the most empowered women in the UK. Whilst I was proud to be 1st runner-up twice I was relieved when I aged out… with so many ups & downs I felt it was time to move on,” she said in her Instagram post.
“However when Miss Universe lifted their age restrictions, I knew there was unfinished business. I’m glad I followed my heart [Red Heart Emoji].”
She also thanked all those who helped her in her pageant journey including the Miss Universe Philippines organization and pageant sister Chelsea Manalo who will represent the Philippines in Mexico.
“My @themissuniverseph family, I learned so much from you all. I am so grateful for our incredible moments. I can’t wait to see you in Mexico @manalochelsea [Mexico Flag Emoji],” Chalk wrote.
With her victory at the Miss Universe Great Britain, Christina Dela Cruz Chalk became the third Filipina candidate in the upcoming Miss Universe pageant. The other two are Miss Philippines Chelsea Manalo and Filipino-Kiwi actress Franki Russell who will represent New Zealand.
The Philippines has been consistently creating marks in pageantry with the recent representatives who took home pride and glory to the country.
Just last month, Samantha Gabronino of Bulacan snagged the Miss Grand Prix crown at the Miss Freedom of the World 2024 in Kosovo.
Another Bulakenya beauty Alethea Ambrosio bagged the Miss Supranational Asia and Oceania title in Poland.
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