The Philippines’ Chelsea Manalo from Meycauayan City, Bulacan, will represent the country in the upcoming Miss Universe pageant in Mexico later this year. This is a history in the making because, for the first time, the Philippines will send a black Filipino-American contender to the prestigious beauty pageant.
Chelsea earned the privilege of representing the pageant-loving country after winning the Miss Universe Philippines crown during the grand coronation held last May 22 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The proud Bulakenya, who started modeling at 14 years old, bested 52 other candidates from different cities, provinces, and overseas Filipino communities.
She wowed the judges and the crowd with her performance during the swimsuit and evening gown competitions and cemented her victory during the question-and-answer portion.
The 24-year-old tourism graduate was asked, “You are beautiful and confident. How will you use these qualities to empower others?”
In her response, Chelsea pointed out that she has been experiencing challenges in life because of her dark skin complexion. Yet, she emphasized her courage to join the beauty contest as a sign of confidence, determination, and perseverance.
“As a woman of color, I have always faced challenges in my life. I was told that beauty has standards, actually,” she recalled.
“But for me, I have listened and always believed in my mother, to always believe in yourself, and uphold the values that you have in yourself,” the model-turned-beauty queen went on.
“Because of this, I am already influencing a lot of women facing me right now. As a transformational woman, I have here 52 other delegates with me who have helped me be the woman that I am. Thank you.”
Born to a Filipino mother and African-American father, Chelsea’s success at the recently concluded contest proved that there is a diversity of beauty in the country, contrary to the popular Eurocentric beauty standards that have long persisted in Filipino society.
After the competition, the De La Salle Araneta University alumna took to social media to share her realization on her journey in the pageant industry.
“I once thought that a fallen star can never be reborn. For years, it kept itself absorbed in the dark void. But it once again found its light. I was that star and last night I shone brightest because of all the love and support I received,” she wrote.
To those unfamiliar, Chelsea is a pageant returnee. She first joined Miss World Philippines in 2017, where she only advanced up to the Top 15 finalists. She almost quit during the Miss Universe Philippines 2024 pageant because of financial issues.
Fortunately, with assistance from the Bulacan local government and her supporters, she was able to stay in the competition and, eventually, won the crown.
Furthermore, she thanked her parents for their encouragement and formidable support system.
“Mom and Dad, you both served as my pillar of strength and inspiration. I never stumbled as I envisioned myself walking with you. I was calm because I imagined you were holding my hands. Every word I spoke came from the genuine heart you both nurtured. Every step I made on the stage, led us to achieving the crown we all dreamed of. You, both, deserve my eternal gratitude,” she shared.
Chelsea also expressed gratitude to her team and supporters from her home province.
“To my Bulacan Team, you all are my heroes. The challenges I was confronted with was overcome by your magic, kindness, and generosity. You never made me feel I was alone. I was empowered because I knew you were all by my side,” the new Miss Universe Philippine titleholder.
“To my MUPh sisters, my home. The past months have allowed me to find a home away from home. You treated me like family. I learned many lessons from you that I would carry throughout my journey,” she added.
“To those who supported me, it was beautiful to know you were all cheering Bulacan even if I didn’t know all of you. Your voices echoed in my head, reminding myself that I should believe in myself because there were people believing in me.”
Lastly, she assured her countrymen that she would do her best in the upcoming competition in Mexico to bring home pride and glory.
“Sa’yo mahal kong Pilpinas, gagawin ko ang lahat para iuwi ang pang-limang korona. Hindi kita bibiguin. Ilalaban natin ito. Maraming Salamat po. Again, this is Chelsea Manalo from Bulacan Philippines to the Universe. [Philippine flag emoji],” she concluded.
If she ever wins the upcoming Miss Universe pageant in Mexico, Chelsea will be the fifth Filipina winner, joining the country’s four former titleholders: Gloria Diaz who won in 1969, Margie Moran in 1973, Pia Wurtzbach in 2015, and Catriona Gray in 2018.
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