Though the ultimate crown eluded her, Chelsea Manalo’s recognition as Miss Universe Asia 2024 cements her place in pageant history

Beauty pageants in the Philippines are cultural touchstones, events that command national attention and spark widespread celebration (or even debate). This year, Chelsea Manalo, the 2024 Miss Universe Philippines, added a new title to the country’s already storied pageant history: Miss Universe Asia. But what does this mean for a nation that has long equated success with the ultimate crown?

The title of Miss Universe Asia, introduced in this year’s competition, is part of a broader initiative to honour the beauty and diversity of different regions. Alongside Manalo, continental queens from Finland, Nigeria, and Peru were also crowned, each representing Europe & the Middle East, Africa & Oceania, and the Americas, respectively. While Denmark’s Victoria Kjær Theilvig ultimately claimed the Miss Universe title, Manalo’s distinction as the first Miss Universe Asia offers its own form of prestige.

For the Philippines, a country with four Miss Universe crowns to its name, Manalo’s title is a signal of continued excellence on the global stage. Her journey through the competition, culminating in a Top 30 finish, underscores the nation’s consistent ability to produce candidates who embody the values and qualities celebrated in international pageantry.

But Manalo’s achievement carries a deeper significance. As the first half-Black, half-Filipina representative for the Philippines, her success highlights the growing recognition of the country’s diverse beauty. In a nation where representation has long been tied to notions of mestiza elegance, Manalo’s ascent signals a shift in the landscape.

Her title as Miss Universe Asia, while distinct from the ultimate crown, is a historic win. It serves as a reminder that victories in pageantry are no longer singular or monolithic. They can break barriers, set precedents, and expand the narrative of what it means to represent not just a country, but an entire region.

Manalo’s bond with her fellow contestants, particularly her roommate Tatiana Calmell of Peru, adds another layer to her story. The camaraderie they shared throughout the competition—culminating in their titles as continental queens—reflects the spirit of solidarity beyond Miss Universe’s competitive nature.

The new Miss Universe Asia’s accomplishment sets a new standard. It offers a fresh perspective on success, one that values representation and regional pride as much as global recognition. Her parting words, “Mabuhay ang Pilipinas, we are making history,” encapsulate the weight of her achievement—not just for herself, but for a nation that continues to find new ways to shine on the world stage.