Chelsea Manalo is sultry, sparkly ‘Catrina’ for Miss Universe 2024 gala

Chelsea Manalo is a vision in black at the “Gala de las Catrinas.” Image: Facebook/Chelsea Anne Manalo, MIss Universe

Mexico’s hosting of the 73rd Miss Universe pageant fell in November, and the delegates joined in the country’s celebration of “Dia de los Muertos” (Day of the Dead) by parading as “Catrinas,” or elegantly dressed skeletons.

The pageant hosted its “Gala de las Catrinas” on the first day of the month in line with the two-day Mexican holiday where the living remember their dearly departed loved ones. Those who have seen the Pixar animated movie “Coco” about the festivities are familiar with the celebration.

Dia de los Muertos was also featured in the opening scene of the 2015 James Bond film “Spectre” starring Daniel Craig, as well as other international movies.

Chelsea Manalo appeared in a slinky black number with sexy cutouts and embellished with silver and black beads. She also put on black opera gloves with stones forming the outline of skeleton forearms and hands. An oversized black “sombrero” (wide-brimmed Mexican hat) added pizzazz to the look.

“La Bulakenya” set her hair in loose curls, brushed to the side, while her face was painted with ornate Mexican patterns seen in the traditional Catrinas.

Various online posts are saying that Manalo was also one of the 10 delegates chosen for a special photoshoot for Seytu, the official makeup sponsor of the 73rd Miss Universe pageant.

Recent Filipino delegates who were part of the promotional shoot for the cosmetics sponsor then include Rabiya Mateo, Beatrice Luigi Gomez and Celeste Cortesi.

Manalo is also trying to woo online votes for the Miss Universe online poll, that will help her earn a guaranteed spot in the Top 30. To cast your votes, download the official Miss Universe mobile app. Tap the “Vote” tab, scroll to find Manalo’s photo, and tap “Vote Philippines.”

The Philippines is targeting a fifth win in the Miss Universe pageant through Manalo. The winner will be crowned at the culmination of the coronation show at the Arena CDMX in Mexico City on Nov. 16 (Nov. 17 in Manila). Sheynnis Palacios will relinquish her title to the new queen.