Chelsea Manalo, newly-crowned Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) 2024 | Image: Instagram/@manalochelsea
Chelsea Manalo, the newly-crowned Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) 2024, revealed that she almost quit the competition after encountering financial difficulties prior to her historic crowning moment.
Manalo made the admission during an appearance on “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” on Monday, May 27, saying it came to a point where it was her glam team that supported her MUPH campaign.
“I was on the verge of quitting na po, kasi we have to face it medyo matagal ‘yung competition this time. Inabot siya ng four months. I came here as an independent, wala akong resources, financial. So darating talaga sa point na mauubos ka,” she said.
The 24-year-old Bulakeña beauty underscored that she and her team had to carry all the expenses, and she said it was her glam team who urged her not to give up.
“Magastos siya. I came back and forth to Bulacan. Siguro ‘yung transporation, the dress, the make-up, everything you have to provide it on your own. I had [a glam team]. Actually, sila ‘yung mga nagsupport sakin when I almost gave up,” shared the beauty queen.
READ: SPOTLIGHT on Chelsea Manalo and other ‘dark horses’ of pageantry
Amid her struggles, Manalo said she saw a silver lining when the government of Bulacan offered to extend financial aid to her MUPH campaign.
“Meron naman pong kakaunting naiibigay, ayun po ‘yung mga pinagsama-sama namin just so we can have a little food para po maitawid ko ‘yung outfits ko. Dumating din sa point na I had to find a dress sa online selling [para makamura],” she said.
Being a woman of color, Manalo is no stranger to enduring criticism because of her physical appearance. When asked how she deals with detractors, Manalo affirmed that “she never let the hate into her heart.”
“Never listen. Never let it get into your heart kasi maapektuhan ka. Things will change if you will let yourself [be] affected doon sa mga sinasabi nila. They would call me names, very harsh names na naapektuhan ako. I would look at myself and say, ‘Hindi na ako maganda,'” expressed Manalo.
“So every time I would come home and cry, ito lang ang sinasabi ng mom ko, ‘There will come a time your story will be heard, and your beauty is what makes you unique,” she concluded.
Manalo is the first Filipino of African descent to win the national competition. She is set to represent the Philippines at the Miss Universe 2024 pageant, which will be held in Mexico later this year.
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