Chelsea Manalo. Images: Seven Barretto via Instagram/@manalochelsea
Chelsea Manalo embraced her inner royalty as she took on the form of Princess Tiana, the lead character of the animated film “Princess and the Frog,” in a recent photo shoot.
For the shoot, Manalo looked like a princess in a light green tube gown with roses sewn on the hips, matching gloves, and her La Mer en Majesté crown, as she posed in a forest-like setting, as seen on her Instagram page on Sunday, October 27. The photos were taken by celebrity photographer Seven Barretto, who also served as the creative director.
“Channeling my inner Princess Tiana,” she said in the caption. “The journey has been magical, and with your support, we can make dreams come true. Don’t forget to cast your votes and help me reach for the crown!”
On Miss Universe Philippines’ Instagram post, Manalo was seen lip-syncing to Anika Noni Rose’s “Almost There” and holding an imaginary frog prince, while posing in front of the camera.
“Princess Tiana realness,” she wrote.
Manalo, who’s currently in Los Angeles, California for additional training, will represent the Philippines at the upcoming Miss Universe 2024 pageant on November 16. She is hoping to bag the country’s fifth Miss Universe crown after Catriona Gray.
The global tilt will be held at the Arena CDMX in Mexico City, Mexico, where reigning titleholder Sheynnis Palacios will pass her crown to her successor.