Chelsea Manalo has undoubtedly left her mark at Miss Universe 2024 and beyond.
Related: 5 Life Lessons We’re Taking From Chelsea Manalo’s MUPH Journey
Have you talked to your pageant fan friends recently? If you had, you’d probably know we’re approaching the apex of the 2024 pageant season with the Miss Universe 2024 coronation night this November 17, Sunday, in Mexico City. And once again, Filipino fans have come together to root for our latest representative, Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Manalo, to become the latest Filipina to take home the crown (which will be made by a Filipino jewelry brand this year for the first time in the pageant’s history).
Chelsea’s victory at MUPH 2024 was highkey historical, and while she sadly didn’t make it to the end, Chelsea has nonetheless not let up as an inspiring and slayful voice for Filipinos. We list our favorite times Chelsea showed the girls how it’s done at Miss Universe 2024.
WHEN SHE DROPPED HER STUNNING OFFICIAL HEADSHOT
INSTAGRAM/MANALOCHELSEA/ PHOTO BY SEVEN BARRETTO
The power that this has. The influence that this has. The regality that this has. Chelsea’s official headshot for Miss Universe 2024 needs to be hung in a gallery. What we love most is how it naturally and effortlessly captures her morena beauty, serving as yet another reminder that you can still serve face no matter your complexion. This is the kind of photo you stop scrolling to look at. Even Tyra Banks had to stan.
WHEN SHE CHAMPIONS HER ADVOCACY OF SUPPORTING OFW CHILDREN
As a child of a migrant worker (her dad is an OFW), Chelsea knows firsthand the struggles children face when it comes to growing up in an environment without one or both parents. That is why she has made it her advocacy to help uplift vulnerable and struggling youth. It’s a cause that means much to her with a passion that comes from a genuine place, and it’s even the topic of her entry in the Miss Universe 2024 Voice for Change competition.
WHEN SHE MADE HISTORY AS THE FIRST MISS UNIVERSE ASIA
INSTAGRAM/MANALOCHELSEA/ PHOTO BY SEVEN BARRETTO
Chelsea didn’t come to play during the Miss Universe 2024 coronation night. From her shining charisma to giving the world a taste of her signature “Tampisaw Walk”, Chelsea came prepared. While she sadly ended her run in the Top 30, Chelsea still secured the bag as she made history as the first titleholder of Miss Universe Asia. And her Tiffany evening gown designed by Manny Halasan? Yeah, the other queens were lucky Chelsea didn’t walk during the evening gown segment.
WHEN SHE DEBUTED HER STUNNING NATIONAL COSTUME
INSTAGRAM/MANALOCHELSEA/ PHOTO BY SEVEN BARRETTO
Jaws were dropped around the world when Chelsea walked on the preliminary competition stage to showcase her national costume. Dubbed “Hiraya”, the beautiful creation told the story of the country’s history of Christianity and Islam and how faith is interwoven into many Filipinos’ culture and identity. When it’s a serve, it’s a serve.
WHEN SHE SHOWED US IT’S OK TO HAVE FUN EVEN IN MAJOR COMPETITIONS
INSTAGRAM/MANALOCHELSEA
Given the attention and pressure of a competition like Miss Universe, and the fact that she also comes from a pageant-loving country, Chelsea has big shoes to fill. But so far, she’s been showing that there’s no need to always be so uptight and that it’s ok to have fun. From her creative photoshoots, expressive looks (such as her head-turning The Gala de las Catrinas ensemble), and her budding friendship with Miss Universe Peru 2024 Tati Calmell, Chelsea is living her best life in Mexico, and looking oh so regal doing so.
WHEN SHE REMINDS PEOPLE TO EMBRACE THEIR UNIQUE SELVES
INSTAGRAM/MANALOCHELSEA/ PHOTO BY SEVEN BARRETTO
It doesn’t take much to realize that Chelsea radiates proud morena energy. And since her reign as Miss Universe Philippines 2024 began, Chelsea has furthered her message of diversity and inclusivity. It’s no secret that Philippine society still has its ways to go when it comes to unlearning the mindset of having fair skin = better. Chelsea is helping to change that. As the first MUPH winner with darker skin, she’s breaking boundaries and repping all the Filipinos who ever felt they didn’t belong because they didn’t fit stereotypical standards.
“This crown is not just for me, but for every person who has felt unseen, unheard, or underestimated. May my journey remind you that our uniqueness is our power, and self-love is our foundation. To anyone who has ever doubted the beauty within them—keep pushing forward,” she wrote in an Instagram post. It feels all kinds of correct seeing a Filipina like Chelsea unapologetically and authentically embrace who she is and redefine what it means to be beautiful.
WHEN SHE WAS ONE OF HALLOWEEN 2024’S WINNERS WITH HER PRINCESS TIANA LOOK
INSTAGRAM/MANALOCHELSEA/ PHOTO BY SEVEN BARRETTO
Now this is what you call an A-tier Halloween costume. Revealed just before she left for Mexico for the competition, Chelsea had the world gagging with her stunning take on Princess Tiana from The Princess and the Frog. Chelsea lowkey looks like the Disney princess come to life, and we love that for her. Aside from how gorgeous Chelsea looks, the moment also shows her and her team’s dedication. You know you’re that girl when you have international outlets singing your praises on your Princess Tiana cosplay.
Continue Reading: 5 Reasons Why Catriona Gray Deserves To Be A Main Host In Miss Universe
