By: Melany Mabagos
Chelsea Manalo took home the crown of Miss Universe Philippines 2024 at the end of the Coronation Ceremony held in the Mall of Asia Arena, besting 52 other contestants. Get to know more about this beauty queen from Bulacan and where she came from before winning the prestigious title.
Modeling Career
In one of her Instagram Q&As, Chelsea mentioned that she once dreamed of being a racecar driver as a kid. Little did she know that her pageantry background would lead to her pursuing a different path.
Chelsea started entering pageants when she was 14 years old. Despite her insecurities and facing bullying for her skin color, Chelsea persevered, eventually resulting in a modeling career and even being featured in print and online magazines such as MEGA and Preview, and modeling for designers such as Job Dacon and Mark Bumgarner.
Body Positivity and Youth Education Advocate
Throughout Miss Universe Philippines 2024, Chelsea has been vocal about body positivity. Chelsea emphasized how she believed in herself despite the struggles that she faced, the rigorous standards of beauty in the industry, and the bullying she received for her skin color. She also mentioned how her fellow candidates inspired her to become the woman that she is, and how she herself aims to inspire the women that she faces.
Chelsea has also been working with Kids for Kids, a non-profit youth-led organization that aims to empower children nationwide through creative education and safe space creation, further showing us how committed she is in upholding her beliefs and supporting her advocacies.
Paying Tribute to her Roots
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As a Bulakenya, Chelsea is also someone who places great importance on her roots and culture. She is an advocate for the Dumagat people in Norzagaray, Bulacan, lending her voice to ensure and support their welfare and education.
Before the coronation night, Chelsea also shared outtakes from a photoshoot inspired by Juan Luna’s painting, “La Bulaqueña,” where she wore a glamorous version of Terno by Glen Lopez to pay tribute to the province she grew up in.
A Beauty Queen to Watch Out For
Even during the preliminary interviews for Miss Universe 2024, Chelsea stood out among the crowd. She even won the Miss Jojo Bragais Runway Challenge before the Coronation Night. Chelsea has also participated in Miss World Philippines in 2017, finishing in the top 15. All of this just goes to show how her charm, beauty, charisma and heart sets her apart from the competition.
Chelsea Manalo is set to represent the Philippines in the 73rd Miss Universe pageant, which will be held this year in Mexico. Let’s support our newly crowned representative and wish her the best!
What was the most memorable part of Chelsea Manalo’s performance during Miss Universe 2024? Let us know in the comment section below!