(From left) Catriona Gray, Chelsea Manalo, and R’Bonney Gabriel. Images: Instagram/@missuniverse, @manalochelsea
While Chelsea Manalo is up against 126 other candidates for the Miss Universe crown, she earned the support of former titleholders Catriona Gray and R’Bonney Gabriel, who praised her personality.
Manalo is on a quest to win the Philippines’ fifth Miss Universe crown at the 2024 edition of the global tilt on November 16 (November 17 in the Philippines). Her campaign for the crown is shaping up to be a success so far, as she caught the attention of global publications and supermodel Tyra Banks.
When asked how the Filipina-American beauty queen would fare at the global tilt, Gray said she “gives a fresh new air” to what a Miss Universe Philippines titleholder should be.
“Chelsea, she’s great. I feel like she gives a fresh new air to Miss Philippines. She’s so young, and I’m really excited to see how she transforms onstage,” Gray told reporters on the sidelines of a media con for her upcoming Legacy Ball.
“I feel like she’s that type of girl. When you meet her in person, she’s very sweet and very demure. But onstage, she unlocks a different [side] of herself. She’s really a performer. I’m so very excited [about] how that comes alive,” she further added.
The former beauty queen added that she’s “close friends” with Manny Halasan, who served as the designer for Manalo’s winning gown in her national pageant.
“I wasn’t able to have a sit-down with [Chelsea], although I reached out to her many times but I feel that she’s really busy. So I also understand the schedule that comes along with being a representative… I wish her the best,” she said.
Gray, who’s tapped to be a commentator for the upcoming tilt, hoped that Manalo would remember why she wanted to represent the Philippines in the pageant.
“I always say to remember why you went on that journey in the first place. And it could be any journey that resonates with you — either it’s opening new doors and opportunities for yourself, or elevating your community and cause,” she said.
“Just hold on to that anchor because of the exhaustion and the long hours and all the ups and downs that come with being a Miss Philippines, that’s what you need to hold true.”
On the other hand, Gabriel had nothing but praise for Manalo’s “sweet personality.”
“I think she’s doing great. She’s killing it. She’s prepared and she worked hard. She has such a sweet personality and I wish her the best,” she said on the sidelines of the Opulence Ball last October.
Donning the Philippines’ sash and her fiery lava gown, Gray was named Miss Universe 2018 at the Impact Arena in Nonthaburi Province, Thailand.
Gabriel, on the other hand, bagged the US’ ninth Miss Universe crown in 2022 at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana.