Chelsea Anne Manalo sashays to the tune of “Almost There” from the movie “The Princess and the Frog.” | Image: Screengrab from TikTok/@manalochelsea
Miss Universe Philippines 2024, Chelsea Anne Manalo, showed off her stunning bridal look, which she described as giving off a Disney Princess Tiana vibe.
The Filipino-Black American beauty queen took to TikTok to share the video of her sashaying to the tune of “Almost There” from the movie “The Princess and the Frog” as she walked the runway at Michael Leyva’s Couture 2025 show, which featured the famous designer’s latest bridal collection.
“Living that almost-there Disney Princess Tiana vibe [queen emoji],” she wrote in the caption.
In the comment section of her post, netizens approvingly said that Manalo truly resembles and embodies Princess Tiana’s beauty and elegance donning the stylish bridal gown.
“Omg, yes, you’re the perfect Princess Tiana,” stressed one fan.
“Wala na, panalo na ‘to, bring home the 5th crown, Princess Tiana,” wrote another supporter.
Image: Screengrab from TikTok/@manalochelsea
Introduced in 2009, Princess Tiana made history as the first African American princess in the Disney Princess franchise, while Manalo also made history as the first-ever half-black to win the Miss Universe Philippines title.
Meanwhile, Manalo recently reunited with veteran Filipino beauty queens and fellow Miss Universe titleholders Margie Moran and Gloria Diaz, describing the two queens as her “personal idols.”
The Bulacan native is also the new cover star of MEGA magazine’s “The Youth Reigns” issue, with the publication pointing out that Manalo opened up “the horizon for a more inclusive definition of beauty upon winning the crown.”
As she prepares to represent the Philippines in this year’s Miss Universe, which will be held in Mexico later this year, Manalo took part in a Pride Month event organized last month by LoveYourselfPH, a volunteer community providing free HIV testing, counseling, treatment and life coaching.
The 24-year-old beauty queen stressed the “importance of being an ally to the community and pride in being your authentic self.”