Miss Universe Asia Chelsea Manalo receives 2 awards from alma mater
Miss Universe Asia Chelsea Manalo receives 2 awards from her alma mater. Image: Facebook/Chelsea Anne Manalo
Miss Universe Asia Chelsea Manalo continues to receive recognition even after her international pageant stint, this time from the De La Salle-Araneta University (DLSAU).
The DLSAU Alumni Association Inc. recognized “La Bulakenya” as an “Alumna Achiever,” while the university’s Gawad Lasallianeta 2025 bestowed upon her the Lasallians’ Choice Award.
“Grateful and honored to receive not just one but two incredible recognitions! [shining star emoji]” Manalo said on social media when she shared photos from the awarding ceremonies.
She earned her tourism management degree from DLSAU in Malabon City and also spent her senior high school years at the same university.
Manalo returned to her alma mater on Saturday, Jan. 25, for the DLSAU Alumni Homecoming, one of the events celebrating the university’s 79th foundation week, with the theme “DLSAU@79: Aspire to Greatness.”
“These milestones inspire me to keep striving and representing our community with pride. [green heart emoji][sunflower emoji]” she shared on her social media post.
Manalo became the first woman of black heritage to be crowned Miss Universe Philippines when she won the national pageant in May last year. At the 73rd Miss Universe pageant in Mexico, she advanced to the Top 30, topped the online poll for national costume, and became the first recipient of the Miss Universe Asia title.
The search for her successor is underway with the coronation of dozens of delegates for the 2025 Miss Universe Philippines pageant from across the Philippines and overseas Filipino communities. Several more ladies are set to earn their respective spots in the national tilt in the coming days.
