BY MA. THERESA LADIAO
ILOILO City – In a glittering coronation night that lasted almost five hours, Chelsea Manalo of Bulacan province was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2024 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Manalo, 25, bested 52 other candidates from across the country, including Iloilo’s Alexie Mae Brooks who reached the Top 10 and was eventually declared Miss Eco International Philippines 2025.
During the Q&A portion of the five remaining finalists, Manalo was asked: “You are beautiful and confident. How will you use these qualities to empower others?”
Manalo, wearing a white gown with a feathered cape, answered: “As a woman of color, I’ve always faced challenges in my life. I was told that beauty has standards, but I have listened to always believe in my mother to always believe in yourself, uphold the values 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 have helped me become the woman that I am.”
Manalo will compete at the Miss Universe 2024 pageant in Mexico in the later part of the year.
The Miss Universe Philippines 2024 pageant started at around 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday and ended almost at 1:30 a.m. of Thursday. The delegates showcased their grace and poise in the swimsuit and evening gown segments. The Question and Answer portion tested their intelligence, eloquence, and quick thinking.
Manalo was one of the standouts during the preliminaries. A pageant veteran, she competed in Miss World Philippines in 2017.
She was cowned by Michelle Dee, Miss Universe Philippines 2023.
Manalo’s Miss Universe Philippines 2024 runners-up are the following:
* first runner-up – Stacy Gabriel of Cainta, Rizal Province
* 2nd runner-up – Maria Ahtisa Manalo of Quezon Province (Miss Cosmo Philippines)
* 3rd runner-up – Tarah Mae Valencia of Baguio City (Miss Supranational Philippines)
* 4th runner-up – Christi McGarry of Taguig City
Meanwhile, Mayor Jerry Treñas commended Brook’s performance. In a Facebook post, he said, “We are still proud of you. Padayon sa pag abanse.”
Cyrille Payumo of Pampanga was declared Miss Charm Philippines./PN
