Chelsea Manalo won the Miss Universe Philippines crown on the evening of May 22. However, the black beauty’s victory was met with mixed opinions.

Overcoming 52 competitors, Chelsea Manalo won the final round of Miss Universe Philippines 2024 which just ended on the evening of May 22. The 25-year-old beauty was moved and happy to become the first woman of color to represent the Philippines at the Miss Universe arena.

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Immediately after the results were announced, Chelsea Manalo’s victory quickly became a hot topic among the Philippine and international beauty fan community. Many people believed that the 1999-born beauty did not have outstanding beauty compared to her competitors, nor was she the best performer at the finale.

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Along with that, the audience watching the contest expressed regret, even disappointment and anger when the leading candidate for the title of Miss, Ahtisa Manalo, only won the second runner-up position. Many opinions said that this beauty deserved the crown more. In addition, the moment Chelsea Manalo wore the crown precariously on stage was also captured and used to mock and ridicule.

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However, there are also many opinions defending the new Miss Universe Philippines, affirming that she meets all the criteria of a beauty queen and is completely worthy of the prestigious crown. Many viewers of the contest commented: “The moment I saw her step out in her white evening gown, I knew she would be Miss Universe Philippines”, “It’s refreshing that such a special girl will represent the Philippines in the upcoming Miss Universe arena”, “She deserves the title. Her performance in the final was perfect”…

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Chelsea Manalo was born in Bulacan to an American father and a Filipino mother. She impresses with her attractive face and strong, individual features. The 25-year-old beauty queen is 1.7m tall with a toned, sexy body.

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Chelsea Manalo is also highly appreciated for her confident, professional and attractive performance thanks to her experience as a model since the age of 14.

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In the question and answer round, the beauty from Bulacan received the question: “You are beautiful and confident. How will you use these qualities to empower others?” She expressed that as a girl of color, she always faces many challenges in life, but the beauty considers herself to be someone who has the ability to transform and positively influence those around her through her own story and experiences.

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“I’ve always been told that beauty has its own standards. And I’ve always listened and believed in my mother, so I believed in myself and believed in my promises. And because of that, I’ve influenced many women in this moment. As a transformative person, I also have 52 other sisters here with me, who have helped me become the version I am today,” Chelsea Manalo confided.

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The beauty queen shared that she suffered from bullying while growing up because of her different skin and hair, which gradually made her self-conscious and withdrawn. Gradually, the collisions made her stronger, more confident and realized that she was beautiful in her own way.

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The 25-year-old beauty is also passionate about community activities, spreading positive messages about the body. She has worked with the youth organization Kids for Kids, to reach and empower indigenous youth.

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Before competing at Miss Universe Philippines, Chelsea Manalo participated in Miss World Philippines 2017 and entered the top 15 finalists.

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With her victory at Miss Universe Philippines, Chelsea Manalo officially won a ticket to Mexico to participate in Miss Universe 2024. The beauty is expected to make a breakthrough in this beauty arena and bring home the 5th Miss Universe crown in history. Last year, the representative of the Philippines at this contest, Michelle Dee, achieved a top 10 finish.