Chelsea Manalo of Bulacan is Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) 2024!
Manalo grabbed the title during the live coronation night held in the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday, May 22.
She bested 52 other candidates in the competition to succeed Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee.
In the Top 5 question and answer portion, Manalo was asked: "You are beautiful and confident, how will you use these qualities to empower others?"
"As a woman of color, I have always faced challenges in my life. I was told that beauty has standards actually. But for me, I have listened and always believed in my mother to always believe in yourself, and uphold the values that you have in yourself," Manalo said.
"Because of this, I am already influencing a lot of you facing me right now as a transformational woman. I have here 52 other delegates with me who have helped me be the woman that I am. Thank you," she added.
Manalo will represent the Philippines at the upcoming Miss Universe pageant in Mexico.
OTHER AWARDS
Aside from Manalo, four other candidates will also represent the country on the international stage including Quezon Province’s Ahtisa Manalo as Miss Cosmo Philippines 2024; Baguio City’s Tarah Valencia as Miss Supranational Philippines 2025; Pampanga’s Cyrille Payumo as Miss Charm Philippines 2025; and Iloilo City’s Alexie Brooks as Miss Eco International Philippines 2024.
The Philippines has, so far, 4 Miss Universe under its belt: Gloria Diaz (1969), Margie Moran (1973), Pia Wurtzbach (2015), and Catriona Gray (2018).
