Cover Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Manalo wearing a neutral gold baro't saya, a traditional dress ensemble (Photo: Chelsea Manalo/Instagram)
Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Manalo wearing a neutral gold baro't saya, a traditional dress ensemble (Photo: Chelsea Manalo/Instagram)
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Get to know Chelsea Manalo, who will represent the Philippines in the upcoming Miss Universe pageant in hopes of winning the country’s fifth crown
In the Philippines, the Miss Universe pageant isn’t just a competition; it’s a national celebration that unites the entire nation in passion and pride. With the crowning of a new Miss Universe Philippines queen, you can count on every Filipino rallying behind her with unwavering support.
Chelsea Manalo, hailing from the Philippine province of Bulacan, bested 52 other hopefuls from across the country to win the Miss Universe Philippines title. Succeeding Miss Universe Philippines 2023’s Michelle Dee, Manalo will raise the country’s flag in the international pageant happening in Mexico in September.
Above Chelsea Manalo wears a stunning all-white evening gown, showing off that winning glow (Photo: Courtesy of Miss Universe Philippines
Chelsea Manalo wears a stunning all-white evening gown, showing off that winning glow (Photo: Courtesy of Miss Universe Philippines
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From the preliminaries to the coronation night, Manalo left an indelible mark by radiating beauty, talent, and wit during the nerve-wracking question-and-answer round. Here, she effortlessly showcased her intellect by sharing how she would use her beauty and confidence to empower others.
“As a woman of colour, I’ve always been told that beauty has standards. But for me, I have always listened to my mother to always believe in yourself, and uphold the vows that you have in yourself,” Manalo said. “Because of these, I am already influencing a lot of women who are facing me right now. As a transformational woman, I have here with me 52 other delegates who have helped me become the woman I am.”
As Manalo embarks on her Miss Universe journey, here are five things to know about the queen aiming for the country’s fifth Miss Universe crown.
1. A body positivity queen
Manalo champions the cause of body positivity. In a profile video for the national pageant, she courageously opened up about her past struggles with insecurities and bullying, particularly regarding her skin colour and hair type.
Far from allowing these experiences to hinder her, they ignited a passion within her to inspire and offer hope to others grappling with the confines of societal beauty standards, urging them to embrace their own beauty.
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2. A model
Before winning the crown, Manalo had already carved her path in the fashion industry, beginning her journey as a model at 15. Here’s the twist: she admitted in one of her Instagram Q&A sessions that modelling wasn’t her childhood dream; instead, she wanted to become a car racer.
As life would have it, she found her knack in modelling over the years and learned to love every bit of it. Since then, she has flourished as a print, runway, and commercial model, even collaborating with internationally renowned fashion designer Mark Bumgarner.
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3. A pageant girl at heart
Above Chelsea Manalo is not new to the pageant scene. She was among the Top 15 finalists in the 2017 Miss World Philippines. (Photo: Courtesy of the Miss World Philippines Organization)
Chelsea Manalo is not new to the pageant scene. She was among the Top 15 finalists in the 2017 Miss World Philippines. (Photo: Courtesy of the Miss World Philippines Organization)
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The 25-year-old Filipino-American beauty queen is not new to the pageant scene. According to her Miss Universe Philippines profile, Manalo has been participating in pageants since high school.
A notable one was in 2017 when Manalo participated in the Miss World Philippines, where she clinched a spot among the Top 15 finalists.
4. An advocate of kids
Throughout her journey in the Miss Universe Philippines 2024, Manalo carried forward her advocacy for empowering indigenous kids through education.
She formed a close partnership with Kids for Kids, a youth-led organisation dedicated to establishing safe spaces for children, particularly those in remote areas, and empowering them to become catalysts of change within their communities.
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5. She is a fur mom
Beyond the dazzling lights of the industry, our new beauty queen shines as a loving fur parent to her shih tzu, basset hound, pomchi pups, and love birds.
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Syrah is Tatler Philippines’ Power & Purpose editor, where she spotlights extraordinary journeys shaping the Philippines and Asia. She covers business, innovation, impact, and culture—chasing the people, ideas and forces shaping how we live and think today.
