MANILA, Philippines — Chelsea Anne Manalo, a black Filipino-American model from Bulacan, has won this year’s Miss Universe Philippines title.
Manalo, the first black Filipino-American beauty to represent the country, will compete at the 73rd Miss Universe pageant in Mexico later this year.
Turning 25 this year, Manalo emerged victorious among 52 contestants during the coronation night held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday.
Stacey Daniella Gabriel from Cainta claimed the first runner-up spot, Ahtisa Manalo from Quezon was named second runner-up, Justine Tarah Marie Valencia from Baguio took third runner-up, and Christi Lynn McGarry from Taguig finished as fourth runner-up.
Manalo began her modeling career at 14 and was among the top 15 finalists in Miss World Philippines 2017.
Born to a Filipino mother and an American father, she was raised in Meycauayan City, Bulacan by her mother and stepfather after her biological father passed away.
A tourism graduate, Manalo advocates for youth empowerment, focusing on children’s education, particularly among indigenous communities, according to her profile on the Empire PH website.
During the top 5 question-and-answer segment, she was asked how she would use her beauty and confidence to empower others.
“As a woman of color, I’ve always faced challenges in my life. I was told that beauty has a standard. 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,” she replied.
“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 helped me to become the woman I am. Thank you,” she added.
The coronation event was hosted by Alden Richards, Gabbi Garcia, Tim Yap, Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Gabriel, and American television personality Jeannie Mai.
