Meet Chelsea Manalo, Miss Universe Philippines 2024
Advocacy: Education for Indigenous Youth
"Championing Indigenous Youth Education"
Chelsea makes history as the first black Filipino-American representative of the Philippines for Miss Universe.
by Frances Karmel S. Bravo
May 23, 2024
PHOTO/S: Screengrab from Instagram | @manalochelsea
Besting 52 of her fellow titleholders from across the country, Chelsea Anne Manalo of Bulacan was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2024 on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Bay City, Pasay.
The fifth edition of the titular pageant began with a series of preliminary events, where winners of various challenges secured their spots in the Top 20.
From there, the pool was trimmed down to Top 10, with contenders participating in a casual round of questioning hosted by Gabbi Garcia and Jeannie Mai.
After one final cut, five contestants were left to drop the mic with their remarkable answers for the classic Q&A portion.
Following the theme of “Love For All,” delegates shared their thoughts on the kind of love that makes a woman both inspiring and transformational.
Chelsea shone throughout the competition, ultimately claiming victory ahead of these four runners-up: Stacey Gabriel of Cainta, Ahtisa Manalo of Quezon Province, Tarah Valencia of Baguio, and Christi McGarry of Taguig.
Here are fun and quick facts about the newly crowned queen who will carry the legacy forward:
Photo/s: Screengrab from Instagram | @manalochelsea
EARLY LIFE
NAME, AGE, BIRTHDAY
Chelsea Anne Manalo — born on October 14, 1999 under the astrological sign Libra — is turning 25 years old before the year ends.
NATIONALITY, HOMETOWN
She is a proud Filipino-American Bulakenya who was raised in Meycauayan City, Bulacan.
Photo/s: Screengrab from Instagram | @manalochelsea
FAMILY
Chelsea was born in the Philippines to a black American father and a Filipino mother, who separated in 2000.
Following the divorce, her mother remarried a Filipino man.
In 2004, Chelsea reconnected with her biological father in the United States, where she completed her grade school education.
EDUCATIONAL PURSUITS
Before graduating from a tourism college, Chelsea expressed deep passion for music and dancing in her Empire Philippines profile.
She also related how her journey into the world of beauty pageants began during her high school years.
Photo/s: Screengrab from Instagram | @manalochelsea
CAREER
It’s been known that Chelsea is a professional model who has been gracing the cover of magazines, and starring in commercials and print ads since 2013 at the age of 14.
Fast forward to eight years later, she became a Bench endorser.
From August 12-13, 2017, she was also featured as a model in a bridal exhibit and fashion show in Malolos, Bulacan.
PAGEANTRY
Outside of high school, Chelsea’s major debut into the pageant scene was through Miss World Philippines 2017.
On September 3, 2017, she competed against 34 other Miss World Philippines 2017 candidates at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
She finished in the Top 15, with Laura Victoria Lehmann taking the win for the batch.
On February 17, 2024, she was officially appointed Miss Universe Bulacan 2024. She also earned the title “Bulacan Barbie” upon joining the competition.
Photo/s: Screengrab from Instagram | @manalochelsea
CHELSEA WINS THE MISS UNIVERSE PHILIPPINES 2024 CROWN
- Advocacy
Based on the official website of Miss Universe Philippines, Chelsea’s advocacy reads: “Championing Indigenous Youth Education”
The movement describes Chelsea as a dedicated advocate for youth empowerment, focusing on children’s education, especially among indigenous communities.
Her advocacy aims to provide opportunities for indigenous youth to access quality education and unlock their full potential.
In August 2019, she began to volunteer for Kids for Kids, a youth-led organization that aims to create a safe space for children.
- Q&A answer
During the Q&A portion, she was asked: “You are beautiful and confident. How have you used these qualities to empower others?”
Standing proud and holding her head high, Chelsea looked back on the hurdles she had to overcome due to the color of her skin.
She answered: “As a woman of color, I’ve 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 in yourself.
“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 helped me to become the woman I am today.”
Photo/s: Screengrab from Facebook | Miss Universe Philippines
MISS UNIVERSE 2024
As the triumphant contender, Chelsea is expected to represent the Philippines this coming September, at Miss Universe 2024 in Mexico.
Source: PEP