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Michelle Dee applauds Chelsea Manalo after Miss Universe 2024 performance | Image: Instagram/@michelledee
Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee expressed how proud she was of her successor Chelsea Manalo, who represented the Philippines in Miss Universe 2024 in Mexico.
Despite falling short to bring home the crown, Dee praised Manalo for her hard work in representing the Philippines on the international stage.
“May agimat ang dugo natin! (There is magic in our blood),” Dee began her caption. “Mahigpit na yakap Filipinas!! (Tight hug, Philippines) Ipinagmamalaki ka namin @manalochelsea (We are looking up to you). You made us all proud.”
Dee’s post was accompanied by their pictures when she crowned Manalo as Miss Universe Philippines 2024.
On the other hand, Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi also extended her congratulations to Manalo for putting up a fight in the global beauty competition.
“You made us all proud, Chelsea. Congratulations, and thank you for representing the diverse beauty of the Philippines!” she wrote on X.
Image: X/@SCCortesi
Miss Universe Philippines 2014 MJ Lastimosa also took to social media to give a shoutout to Manalo after failing to secure a spot in the Top 12 at the coronation night.
Lastimosa shared two pictures of Manalo in her Tiffany gown, writing in her caption, “Our beautiful Chelsea!!! Proud of you queen.”
Image: X/@MJ_Lastimosa
The Miss Universe Philippines organization also penned a gratitude post for Manalo, who undeniably won the hearts of the Filipinos.
“With or without a crown, you are the epitome of Filipina strength and beauty, Chelsea! Thank you for giving the country a good fight! We’re proud of you!” they captioned their post.
Meanwhile, during the coronation night in Mexico, on Monday, Nov. 17 (Philippine time), Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark has been crowned Miss Universe 2024.
Chidimma Adetshina of Nigeria settled for the first runner-up spot, while Maria Fernanda Beltran of Mexico was second runner-up.
Opal Suchata Chuangsri of Thailand and Ileana Marquez Pedroza of Venezuela finished as third and fourth runners-up, respectively.