PHOTO: Instagram/sevenbarretto via Instagram/manalochelsea
Chelsea Manalo knows how to make a statement. Our Miss Universe Philippines 2024 recently expressed how determined she is to prove she’s worthy of the title.
On Wednesday, August 21, the beauty queen uploaded gorgeous snaps of her recent photoshoot. The carousel features Chelsea and a dark horse, getting along in harmony, as she beautifully posed in every angle.
More than the photos and Chelsea’s elegance, her caption piqued everyone’s interest as well. She wrote, “Labels may say ‘dark horse,’ but my victory will be defined by my authenticity and determination. Victory is mine for the taking.” PERIOD!
Her post seemed to signify the official start of her preparations for the upcoming Miss Universe 2024 global competition in Mexico in November. ICYDK, the 25-year-old from Bulacan bagged the Miss Universe Philippines 2024 crown last May 2023 by besting 52 other candidates.
During the final question and answer portion of the pageant, Chelsea was asked, “You are beautiful and confident. How would you use these qualities to empower others?”
The beauty queen eloquently responded with her winning answer, “As a woman of color, I’ve always faced challenges in my life. I was told that beauty is…has standard, actually. But for me, I have listened to always believe in my mother, to always believe in yourself, uphold the vows that 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 to become the woman I am. Thank you.”
Chelsea Manalo on her self-acceptance journey
Recently, Chelsea had the chance to talk about how “challenging” it is growing up in the Philippines with a dark complexion and curly hair. In an interview with Empire Philippines, she also opened up about her rough childhood. She divulged how she was often bullied for her complexion.
Instagram/sevenbarretto via Instagram/manalochelsea
“Natatawag akong ‘ulingling,’ ‘negra,’ ‘kulot salot.’ Ayan mga sinasabi saakin kasi noon di naman ako nag-aayos ng hair. Lumalabas lang ako na kulot na kulot. Tapos maitim na payat (pa ako),” she recalled.
She added, “Sabi ko ‘Filipino naman ako. Dito naman ako lumaki sa Pilipinas.’ Bakit iba yung trato sa akin? It’s so easy for them to say these words kaya maiiyak ka talaga and you’d come home to your parents na naiiyak ka.”
Amid everything, Chelsea feels truly grateful and appreciative of her family and friends, who have been with her through her ups and downs. She described how supportive her parents are of her goals, especially in her journey as a beauty queen.
“Naging malaking factor yung suporta ng parents ko and my real friends na nagpatibay sa akin to grow as a person, to be who I am. That no matter what people say, life goes on. Move forward. Hindi natatapos ang pangarap o ang isang bagay kapag may humahadlang,” Chelsea noted.
