25-year-old model and beauty queen Chelsea Manalo is currently in Mexico City representing the Philippines on the international stage.
Already stunning the audience during the preliminary swimsuit, national costume, and evening gown rounds, Miss Universe Philippines Chelsea Manalo continues to make her country proud.
The 25-year-old model made her mark in the beauty pageant world as the first Filipino of African descent to win in the national competition.
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While we look forward to seeing her shine in the final show, let’s take a look back on all her achievements so far.
Chelsea Manalo’s Roots
Born in Meycauayan, Bulacan, on October 14, 1999, Manalo has been working as a model since she was 15 years old. She also began pursuing pageantry while still in high school.
However, in an Instagram Q&A, she revealed that she never saw herself as a model and wasn’t interested in fashion at a young age. Instead, she wanted to be a race car driver. “But I do believe that if you start to love something that you’ve never done unexpectedly, then that’s what is meant for you,” she shared.
Along with her steadily rising career, she also graduated from De La Salle Araneta University with a degree in tourism management.
In 2017, Manalo competed at the Miss World Philippines pageant, making it to the top 15. This year, she went on to win Miss Universe Philippines, all while championing youth education, accessibility, and empowerment as well as advocating for indigenous communities in her home country.
The Road So Far
Arriving in Mexico City at the end of October, Manalo has already participated in a whirlwind of activities alongside the other Miss Universe hopefuls.
On her first full day there, the beauty queen posted her outfit of the day on Instagram, captioning the post with “Golden Maria Clara.” She wore the Cary Santiago archival piece during the pageant’s registration, completing the look with jewelry by Manny Halasan.
The next day, Manalo turned heads with her gown for the Gala de las Catrinas. She dazzled in her black beaded dress and wide-brimmed hat. For her makeup, she wore face art and gems that symbolized the tradition for the dead.
Competition Day
Moving onto the competition’s preliminary rounds, Manalo’s national costume, titled “Hiraya,” honored the history of religions in the Philippines.
Designed by Halasan, the back of the gown features an image of the Black Madonna, the Our Lady of Antipolo, which was brought to the Philippines through a galleon trade with Mexico.
“Faith can navigate us through life. No matter what religion we believe in. If we pray for something, devote and give our faith and work for it, in God’s perfect time everything is possible,” she wrote.
Manalo then strutted on the catwalk in a bright blue two-piece bikini and gold scarf during the swimsuit portion. “From the moment I stepped on stage, I felt the ocean breeze in my soul!” Manalo wrote on Instagram. “It’s all about confidence and representing the Philippines with my whole heart.”
For her final look of the night, Manalo wore a blue evening gown inspired by the country’s seas, another creation by Halasan. Before exiting the stage, she spun around to show off the flowing dress and all its details.
In another post, she expressed her gratitude to the designer. “Forever grateful to sir Manny Halasan for making me live this unforgettable moment, for being one of the many people who’s helped make my dreams come true,” the beauty queen wrote.
Manalo’s Miss Universe journey continues this Saturday, November 16 (November 17 in the Philippines), so stay tuned for the final show.
Banner image via Instagram @manalochelsea.
