Chelsea Manalo vows to win Philippines’ 5th Miss Universe crown
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Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Manalo. Image: Instagram/@claudevillahrmsa via @manalochelsea
Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Manalo reflected on how she came from being a “fallen star” to being the brightest one, vowing to conquer the international pageant stage for the country and those who put their faith in her.
“I once thought that a fallen star can never be reborn. For years it kept itself absorbed in the dark void, [but] it once again found its light. I was that star and last night I shone brightest because of all the love and support I received,” said Manalo on her Instagram page on Thursday, May 23, hours after winning the MUPH crown.
The Filipino-American beauty queen from Bulacan then addressed her parents, thanking them for being her “pillar of strength and inspiration.”
“I never stumbled as I envisioned myself walking with you. I was calm because I imagined you were holding my hands,” she wrote. “Every word I spoke came from the genuine heart you both nurtured. Every step I made on the stage, led us to achieving the crown we all dreamed of. You, both, deserve my eternal gratitude.”
Manalo also gave credits to her team for being her “hero” and for sharing with her their “magic, kindness and generosity” amid challenges.
“To my MUPh sisters, my home. The past months have allowed me to find a home away from home. You treated me like family. I learned many lessons from you that I would carry throughout my journey,” she continued.
“To those who supported me, it was beautiful to know you were all cheering Bulacan even if I didn’t know all of you,” she added. “Your voices echoed in my head, reminding myself that I should believe in myself because there were people believing in me.”
Manalo lastly addressed the country and her fellowmen, saying: “Sa’yo mahal kong Pilpinas, gagawin ko ang lahat para iuwi ang pang-limang korona. Hindi kita bibiguin. Ilalaban natin ito.”
“Again, this is Chelsea Manalo, [from] Bulacan Philippines to the Universe,” she concluded.
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Along with other beauty queens and titleholders, Manalo’s predecessor, actress-beauty queen Michelle Dee, congratulated the Bulakeña stunner on her win.
“May you lead by example always in all ways,” Dee said on her Instagram page. “We had a brief interaction backstage and I can really say that we crowned a woman with such a genuine heart. Manifesting only the best for you and our home.”
Dee also acknowledged their crowning moment “hiccup” and stressed that the crown looked good on Manalo despite it.
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Manalo was crowned at the finals night held on May 22. Other delegates who emerged as this year’s titleholders were Tarah Valencia of Baguio as Miss Supranational Philippines; Cyrille Payumo of Pampanga as Miss Charm Philippines; Alexie Mae Brooks from Iloilo City as Miss Eco International Philippines; and Ma. Ahtisa Manalo of Quezon Province as Miss Cosmo Philippines.
Stacey Gabriel of Cainta and Christi Lynn McGarry of Taguig were also named as the 1st runner-up and 4th runner-up winners, respectively.
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