Chelsea Manalo is grateful for the year that has passed, saying that she has gained both blessings and lessons in 2024.

In an Instagram reel, the first-ever Miss Universe Asia shared highlights of her past year, including snippets of her journey as a beauty queen.

“What a year for 2024,” she said. “Here’s myself looking back on everything that it brought me, the challenges, the lessons, the struggles, and the moments of strength.”

“It has been tough, but in ways I didn’t expect,” she admitted. “But it also showed me how strong I truly am.”

Saying she is thankful for all the “people, places, and moments that have shaped me along the way,” Manalo said she is looking forward to more opportunities to learn and grow in 2025.

“I approach 2025 with a quiet hope, trusting that whatever comes will continue to guide me toward becoming the person I’m meant to be,” she said.

“I am grateful, not just for the triumphs, but for the lessons learned in everyday life and for the grace that has carried me through it all.

“Here’s to the next chapter, and I hope it’s for the best. Salamat at kasama kita sa tagumpay ko,” she ended, addressing her 389,000 Instagram followers.

Manalo was proclaimed Miss Universe Asia during the 73rd edition of the pageant in Mexico last November.

She joins Miss Universe’s first batch of continental queens: Tati Calmell of Peru (Miss Universe Americas), Matilda Wirtavuori of Finland (Miss Universe Europe and Middle East), and Nigeria’s Chidimma Adetshina (Miss Universe Africa and Oceania).

They will work with the reigning Miss Universe, Victoria Theilvig of Denmark, in projects with charities supported by the international pageant.