Chelsea Anne Manalo, a celebrated Filipino model and beauty pageant titleholder, has been crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2024. This prestigious title grants her the honor of representing the Philippines at the Miss Universe 2024 pageant. Manalo’s journey in pageantry began in 2017 when she competed in Miss World Philippines, where she earned a top 15 finish, marking the beginning of her remarkable path in the world of beauty and advocacy.
Early Life and Modeling Career
Manalo’s career as a model started when she was just 15. Over the years, she has grown into a seasoned professional in the fashion industry, gracing numerous runways and print campaigns. Despite her early start, Manalo revealed in an Instagram Q&A that she originally dreamed of becoming a car racer. However, her passion for modeling grew as she immersed herself in the industry, working with prominent brands and designers such as Mega Magazine, Preview, and Mark Bumgarner.
Pageantry Beginnings
Manalo’s first significant foray into the pageantry scene was 2017 at the Miss World Philippines pageant. Rappler identified her as a “dark horse” candidate, praising her impressive runway walk. In the lead-up to the competition, she was a finalist in the “Top Model” challenge, showcasing her prowess on the catwalk. Although she did not win, finishing in the top 15, this experience solidified her status as a formidable competitor in the pageant world.
Road to Miss Universe Philippines 2024
Chelsea’s journey to the Miss Universe Philippines 2024 crown was marked by her unwavering dedication and resilience. She was officially introduced as one of the 55 delegates competing in the pageant on February 19, 2024, representing Bulacan. Her presence quickly garnered attention, with Mega Magazine named her one of the top ten contestants to watch, describing her as a “queen who’s willing to make a revolution happen.”
Despite some online backlash for featuring the New Manila International Airport construction site in her tourism video—due to environmental concerns—Manalo remained focused on her goals. Her ability to navigate such challenges highlighted her commitment and strength as a contender.
Crowning Moment
Manalo’s crowning as Miss Universe Philippines came after a series of standout performances from the preliminaries to the final night. During the crucial question-and-answer segment, she was asked how she would use her beauty and confidence to empower others. Her heartfelt response emphasized her journey and the influence she hopes to have:
“As a woman of color, I have always faced challenges in my life. I was told that beauty has standards, actually. But for me, I have listened to always believe in my mother, to always believe in yourself, uphold the vows that you have. Because of these, I am already influencing a lot of women who are facing me right now. As a transformational woman, I have here 52 other delegates with me who have helped me to become the woman I am. Thank you.”
Advocacy and Personal Mission
Chelsea Manalo is deeply committed to her advocacy for indigenous youth empowerment. She has collaborated with Kids for Kids, a youth-led organization dedicated to creating safe spaces and empowering children, particularly those in remote areas, to become catalysts for change in their communities.
In addition to this, Manalo is a strong advocate for body positivity. She has openly shared her struggles with insecurities and bullying due to her skin and hair type. Through her platform, she aims to inspire others to embrace their unique beauty and challenge restrictive beauty standards.
As she steps onto the global stage at Miss Universe 2024, Chelsea Anne Manalo carries with her the hopes and dreams of many, embodying the spirit of empowerment, resilience, and transformation. Her journey is a testament to the power of self-belief and the impact of using one’s platform for positive change.