European hunks talk Pride Month, MUPH queen Chelsea Manalo

Manhunt International hunks talk Pride Month, cheer on MUPH queen Chelsea Manalo

/ 09:40 PM June 03, 2024

Manhunt International hunks talk Pride Month, cheer on MUPH queen Chelsea Manalo

Manhunt International runners-up Marcel Ignacio Riera (left) and Vincenzo Melisi/ARMIN P. ADINA

Two contestants of the recently held  22nd Manhunt International Male Supermodel contest in Thailand have expressed support to the local Pride Month celebration, as well as cheer on reigning Miss Universe Philippines Chelsea Manalo on her pageant journey.

Manhunt International fourth runner-up Vincenzo Melisi from Italy and seventh runner-up Marcel Ignacio Riera from Switzerland sat with a select group of local scribes at the Aristocrat Restaurant in Makati City on June 1, the first day of Pride Month for the LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and others) community.

Article continues after this advertisement

“Enjoy the month, and let’s party this, and let’s support. Because this is about love, this is about being themselves. And I think it’s a very good thing to support. Be strong,” said the Swiss violinist, an international pageant veteran whose previous global tilt was held in the Philippines.

FEATURED STORIES
ENTERTAINMENT

The 19-year-old Melisi said he agreed with Riera, and added, “just be yourself.” The Italian lad, a college student, had just embarked on his first international competition, and said he was so happy to place as a rookie.

The European hunks were fielded by Los Angeles-based The Authority Productions (TAP) headed by Filipino director Joselli Rojas. They were also in the Philippines a few days before flying to Thailand for some last-minute preparations for their competition.

Article continues after this advertisement

Cheers to Chelsea

Still on a high after cracking the Top 5 in his own contest, Melisi shared his well-wishes for Manalo. “I hope you will win also this pageant, and good luck,” he said.

Article continues after this advertisement

For his part, Riera said, “big congratulations to you, Chelsea. You’ll do amazing things and I’m sure you’ll achieve your dreams and goals. It’s very powerful. I wish you all the best and all the success.”

Article continues after this advertisement

The Manhunt International finalists also celebrated Manalo’s feat as the first Filipino of African-American descent to represent the Philippines in the Miss Universe pageant’s 73-year history.

“It’s better, the skin color, because she is more unique. And she won here, so congratulations,” Melisi said. Riero approved, and said, “it’s not only the skin color, but the personality, the way she moves, the way she is. It’s well deserved, and she’ll do amazing things.”

Article continues after this advertisement

Manalo also had her first Pride Month celebration on June 1 at Pride Night 2024 held at the Bridgetowne Open Grounds in Pasig City. There, she also met 2015 Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach, a long-time ally of the LGBTQIA+ community, and a loyal ambassador of LoveYourself Philippines that mounted the event.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

TAGS: Chelsea Manalo, Manhunt International

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.