Chelsea Manalo Crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2024

Chelsea Manalo, the daughter of an African-American father and a Filipino mother, was crowned Miss Universe Philippines on Wednesday, May 22, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Parañaque.

She beat 53 other contestants to secure the crown. Stacey Gabriel of Cainta was named 1st runner-up, Ma. Ahtisa Manalo from Quezon Province was the 2nd runner-up, Tarah Valencia of Baguio was the 3rd runner-up, and Christi Lynn McGarry from Taguig was the 4th runner-up. These accomplished women who are runners-up are poised to represent the nation in various international beauty pageants,

Manalo is the first Black Miss Universe Philippines. She said, “As a woman of colour, I have always faced challenges. I was told that beauty has standards. But I have listened to my mother to always listen to myself and uphold what I have. Because of these, I am already influencing many women who are facing me right now. As a transformational woman, I have here 52 other delegates with me who have helped me become the woman I am.”

Manalo, who is from Meycauayan, Bulacan, graduated from De La Salle University with a degree in tourism management. She will compete in the 2024 Miss Universe beauty pageant in Mexico later this year.

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