Beyond the glitz and glam of Chelsea Manalo’s reign as the new Miss Universe Philippines are lessons from a young woman many can take to heart.
By now, you’ve probably heard about Chelsea Manalo becoming our new Miss Universe Philippines. Last May 22, the Bulacan queen bested 52 other aspirants to win Miss Universe Philippines 2024, and, in the process, became the first half-black Filipino to be named Miss Universe Philippines. Her win and journey weren’t just a moment for local pageant history though, but also broke barriers.
More importantly, Chelsea has an inspiring story that is not unlike what many Gen Z find themselves experiencing. No matter how her Miss Universe Philippines journey ends (and we do wish her the best), Chelsea is already a winner in our book in more ways than one. Below, we listed some of the life lessons we’re taking to heart from the Gen Z model, beauty queen, and youth advocate.
WHAT IS MEANT FOR YOU IS MEANT FOR YOU
INSTAGRAM/MANALOCHELSEA / PHOTO BY SEVEN BARRETTO
As cliche as it sounds, life really does find a way to redirect you to where you need to be. Just look at Chelsea. Growing up, she saw herself being a race car driver and found modeling almost by accident as a teenager. Over time, she learned to love the craft. Chelsea then made a splash in the pageant world when she placed in the Top 15 at Miss World Philippines 2017. Clearly, great things we’re still waiting for her.
During her run for Miss Universe Philippines 2024, Chelsea did have her fans and supporters but was seen more as the dark horse of the competition who didn’t often occupy the conversation when it came to front-runners. But a strong performance during the coronation night saw Chelsea beat out more talked-about queens to be crowned as Michelle Dee’s successor. So, take it from Chelsea Manalo and know that your calling will find you.
THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT THERE WILLING TO SUPPORT YOU
INSTAGRAM/MANALOCHELSEA / Photo by Seven Barretto
Life can be so lonely sometimes, especially when it feels like the world is out to get you at every turn. But at the end of the day, there will be those people who will offer a lending hand and be your guide, rock, and support system. In Chelsea’s case, it was her parents and core team who stood by her through thick and thin throughout the competition. It is these people that Chelsea credits as one of the main reasons why she decided to continue her MUPH journey.
When it seemed like she was on her last legs, Chelsea found strength from these loved ones and supporters who made her feel that she had what it takes, and clearly, she did. Feeling loved and supported can make a world of difference, whether it comes from your actual family or a found family who believes in what you have to offer.
YOU DON’T HAVE TO HAVE THE BEST TO BE THE BEST
INSTAGRAM/MANALOCHELSEA / PHOTO BY DOOKIE DUCAY
It needs to be said how daunting major national pageants like Miss Universe Philippines can be, not just physically, emotionally, and mentally, but also financially. This is something Chelsea has been vocal about in the past with how she ran into financial constraints during the competition, which almost led her to quit the whole thing.
Unlike some of her fellow delegates, Chelsea didn’t have access to the same vast wealth of resources and, at one point, resorted to buying clothes through online sellers for the competition. In a society that’s often run by the haves and have-nots, it can be intimidating to overcome that hurdle. But Chelsea did, and so can you, as long as you put your heart, soul, and passion into what you do.
WHAT SOME DEEM AS YOUR FLAWS CAN BE YOUR GREATEST STRENGTH
INSTAGRAM/MANALOCHELSEA / PHOTO BY SEVEN BARRETTO
While progress has been made, many Filipinos still find themselves falling into the mindset of thinking that fairer skin is better and having a darker complexion is “ugly”. Chelsea is sadly no stranger to experiencing this prejudice. In the Bulacan native’s Her Story video, Chelsea shared that she was bullied as a kid for her skin color and hair.
This is something she also touched upon in her winning Q&A answer as she addressed the disadvantage women of darker complexion face when up against beauty standards many see as still beholden to Western ideals. “As a woman of color, I have always faced challenges in my life. I was told that beauty has a standard, actually. But for me, I have listened to—always believe in my mother, to always believe in yourself, to uphold the values that you have in yourself.
Seeing a woman like Chelsea, who is also an advocate for Indigenous young people’s education, win Miss Universe Philippines is all kinds of right. Chelsea found the power and strength to love herself for who she is. As the first Filipino-Black American winner of the pageant, she’s a sign to young people to unapologetically embrace who they are as all forms of beauty are valid.
DON’T GIVE UP
INSTAGRAM/MANALOCHELSEA / PHOTO BY DOOKIE DUCAY
Yes, we’ve heard this time and time again, but there is power in the simple truth of not giving up. We almost lived in a timeline where our current Miss Universe Philippines would have dropped out because of financial troubles. But she persevered and pushed through, and look where she is now.
When the going gets tough, whether it be as simple as your school homework or as complex as a tough day at the office, it seems convenient to go the easy way out and just quit. This thinking though denies you a world of possibilities that could have been once you pass that dark tunnel. So, before you throw in the towel, think it through first because you never know what is waiting for you.
Continue Reading: What We Liked About The Miss Universe PH 2024 Q&A Answers and What We Thought Was Missing
