Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Manalo. Image: Instagram/ @claudevillahrmsa, @darielmiraflor, @themissuniverseph
[Updated: June 13, 2024, 11:54 a.m.]
Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Manalo celebrated Independence Day by honoring the country, saying “there’s no place in the universe like the Philippines.”
As the Philippines’ representative to the Miss Universe pageant this year, Manalo made a pitch for love of country as she visited some of the historical sites located at the country’s capital, while lip-synching to Hotdog’s “Manila,” as seen in a video on her Instagram page on Wednesday, June 12.
“From Bulacan to Manila to any city in the country, there’s no place in the universe like the Philippines!” the Bulakenya beauty queen said in the caption. “Kay sarap manirahan at mabuhay sa Pinas. Tunay na walang katulad.”
“Maligayang Araw ng Kasarinlan, mga minamahal kong kababayan!” she greeted.
The Miss Universe Philippines organization likewise expressed patriotism, sharing a photo of Manalo donning a traditional Filipiniana.
“Kalayaan, kinabukasan, kasaysayan. For without the past, there will be no freedom. And without freedom, there is no future,” it said.
“Miss Universe Philippines believes in this year’s Independence Day theme and pays tribute to the men and women who laid down their lives for the nation so that we can enjoy the freedom and independence we have today,” it added.
‘Parada ng Kalayaan’
Manalo was also in attendance at the “Parada ng Kalayaan” (Freedom Parade) held at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila, as seen on MUPH’s Instagram page as well. Manalo joined the festivities in a modern Filipiniana by Filipino designer Manny Halasan.
“Pilipinas na kay ganda! Happy Independence Day!” the caption read.
At the event, which was attended by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the beauty queen met Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan, presidential son and Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos, tourism secretary Christina Frasco, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Sen. Robin Padilla, Cavite Rep. Lani Mercado, and Miss Universe 1969 Gloria Diaz.
Manalo made history as the first Filipina of African descent to win the Miss Universe Philippines crown at the coronation night held last May 22. She will represent the country in the 73rd Miss Universe pageant in Mexico later this year.