The Philippines’ representative to the Miss Universe 2024 pageant Chelsea Manalo recently received a warm welcome along the Sunset Strip in the United States.
Manalo, who will carry the banner of the Philippines at the pageant in Mexico City next month, has been in Los Angeles for the past week. She has been acclimating to the weather while getting a balance of training and relaxation.
“They say jet lag is one of my challenges but I don’t feel it actually I’ve been sleeping really good. I’m always excited for the day,” she said. “I’ve already been around LA, to Venice Beach, and to Malibu. It’s nice to be in these places. I’ve also met some Filipinos and they’ve been so nice to say hi to me.”
Manalo had the chance to mingle with fellow Filipinos in Los Angeles in a party recently thrown by Bb. Pilipinas International 1992 and Emmy-winning producer Lisa Manibog Brennan.
There, Manalo met Bb. Pilipinas Universe 1978 Jennifer Cortes who competed in Mexico.
Manalo also met other local Filipinos many of whom are from fashion, pageant, and entertainment industries.
“It’s really welcoming,” the beauty queen said. “There were so many who came and said hi to me speaking Tagalog while we were already eating some Mexican food. Everyone is so nice.”
The Miss Universe 2024 pageant is happening on Nov. 16 in Mexico City.
As she counts down to the big day, Manalo remains calm and finds more confidence within herself.
“It gets a little bit more real now that I see these people who will be in Mexico to support me,” she said. “I don’t feel the pressure. I’m more excited because I have so much support.”
While in Los Angeles, Manalo also visited the O Skin Med Spa and met with its founder and owner, Filipina Olivia Quido Co, who serves the Miss Universe Organization as Vice President of Global Sponsorship.
While Manalo has stolen the hearts of local Los Angeles Filipinos, ideally, they will not see her again too soon.
They are hoping that she wins the crown in Mexico and heads straight to the Miss Universe apartment in New York.
