Chelsea Manalo Explained

Chelsea Manalo
Birth Name:Chelsea Anne Manalo
Birth Date:October 14, 1999
Birth Place:Meycauayan, Bulacan, Philippines
Occupation:Model
Education:De La Salle Araneta University (BS)

Chelsea Anne Manalo (pronounced as /tl/; born October 14, 1999) is a Filipino model and beauty pageant titleholder who won Miss Universe Philippines 2024. As the first Filipino of African descent to win the national competition, Manalo represented the Philippines at Miss Universe 2024, where she finished as a top 30 semifinalist and was named the inaugural continental queen for Asia.

An advocate for indigenous Dumagat people, Manalo campaigns for youth education, accessibility, and empowerment. Manalo previously competed in Miss World Philippines 2017 and reached the top 15.

Early life and education

Manalo was born in Malhacan, Meycauayan, Bulacan, on October 14, 1999, to a Filipino mother, Contessa Manalo, and an African-American father.[1] Her parents separated in 2000 after her mother refused to join her father in relocating to the United States.[2] After her father's death, Contessa remarried and raised Manalo with her stepfather Randy Angeles.[3] [4] She briefly lived in Las Vegas, Nevada, with her biological paternal grandmother from ages ten through twelve. Manalo graduated from De La Salle Araneta University with a degree in tourism management.[5] [6]

Modeling career

Manalo began working as a model at age 14 and began her career in pageantry as a high school student.[7] [8] Manalo has cited British model Naomi Campbell as an inspiration for her modeling career.[9] In 2021, Manalo became an endorser for the Philippine clothing brand Bench.

Pageantry

Miss World Philippines 2017

See main article: article and Miss World Philippines 2017. Manalo competed in Miss World Philippines 2017.[10] In the run-up to the pageant, Rappler named her a "dark horse" candidate, praising her for her runway walk. In the fast-track events, Manalo was named as a finalist for the "Top Model" challenge, which was won by .[11] [12] At the final on September 3, 2017, Manalo reached the top 15, with the winner being Laura Lehmann.[13] [14]

Following Miss World Philippines, Manalo was a potential candidate for Miss Universe Philippines 2021.[15]

Miss Universe Philippines 2024

See main article: article and Miss Universe Philippines 2024. Manalo competed in the Miss Universe Philippines 2024 pageant as the representative of Bulacan.[16]

During the competition, Manalo drew flak online for including the construction site of the New Manila International Airport, whose development was subject to environmental concerns, in her tourism video for the pageant.[17] [18] In the preliminary competition, Manalo won one special award from the pageant's sponsors.[19]

On the coronation night, Manalo advanced to the top five, where she was asked, "You are beautiful and confident. How would you use these qualities to empower others?". In her answer, she emphasized her experiences as a woman of color and touted herself as a "transformational woman".[20]

Manalo won the competition and was crowned by outgoing titleholder Michelle Dee.[21] With her win, Manalo became the first Filipino of African descent to be selected to represent the Philippines at Miss Universe.[22] [23] Her win was celebrated online as a challenge to the "ingrained preference for Eurocentric beauty" long held in the country.[24] The provincial government of Bulacan honored Manalo with a homecoming parade on June 9.[25] In July 2024, the city government of Meycauayan bestowed Manalo a Gintong Kawayan Recognition and a Pin of Honor.[26]

Manalo appeared in the music video for "La Bulaqueña" by Orange and Lemons.[27] [28] On November 14, Jojo Bragais unveiled a footwear design inspired by Manalo.[29]

Miss Universe 2024

See main article: article and Miss Universe 2024. Manalo represented the Philippines at Miss Universe 2024 at the Mexico City Arena in Mexico City, Mexico.[30] In her Voice for Change entry, Manalo advocated for advancing the welfare of children of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).[31]

In the national costume presentation held in conjunction with the preliminary rounds on November 14, Manalo wore a Manny Halasan design titled "Hiraya" which references the Manila galleon and the arrival of Christianity and Islam in the country.[32] [33] For the evening gown portion, Manalo wore a simple blue ball gown inspired by the country's seas.[34] Her performance in the preliminary contests led to varied reactions online; some profiled Manalo as an "underrated", "dark horse" candidate while others noted a decline in her performance from the national competition.[35]

During the coronation night, Manalo progressed to the swimsuit competition where she showcased her "tampisaw walk".[36] [37] She finished as a top 30 semifinalist with Victoria Kjær Theilvig of Denmark being the winner.[38] [39] Following the pageant, Manalo was named as the continental queen for Asia, becoming the first entrant to win the title.[40] [41] On November 30, Manalo was named the winner of the National Costume Competition, marking a back-to-back win for the Philippines, following Dee's victory in the preceding year.[42] [43]

Advocacies

Manalo is an advocate for the indigenous Dumagat people of Norzagaray, Bulacan.[44] She has worked with the youth organization Kids for Kids, which aims to reach out and empower indigenous youth.[45]

Personal life

Manalo is a devotee of the Our Lady of Antipolo.[46]

Videography

Music videos

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Bravo . Frances Karmel . 2024-05-23 . Meet Chelsea Manalo, Miss Universe Philippines 2024 . 2024-05-23 . PEP.ph . en-US . May 23, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240523032103/https://www.pep.ph/peptionary/180851/chelsea-manalo-a5128-20240523 . live .
  2. Web site: Tuazon . Franchesca . 2024-11-14 . Will Chelsea Manalo be the country's fifth Miss Universe? . 2024-11-16 . PeopleAsia . en-US.
  3. Web site: Chelsea Manalo and mom overwhelmed after Miss Universe Philippines 2024 win. 23 May 2024. GMA Network. May 23, 2024. May 24, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240524015635/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/content/907716/chelsea-manalo-and-mom-overwhelmed-after-miss-universe-philippines-2024-win/story/. live.
  4. News: Castillejo . Dyan . 2024-05-24 . Chelsea Manalo humble and radiant after winning MUPH 2024 crown . . May 24, 2024 . May 24, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240524141301/https://news.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/2024/5/24/chelsea-manalo-humble-and-radiant-after-winning-muph-2024-crown-1612 . live .
  5. Web site: Evangelista . Jessica Ann . 2024-05-23 . Get to know Chelsea Anne Manalo, Miss Universe Philippines 2024 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240525133723/https://entertainment.inquirer.net/557770/get-to-know-chelsea-anne-manalo-miss-universe-philippines-2024 . May 25, 2024 . 2024-05-23 . INQUIRER.net . en.
  6. Web site: 2024-05-23 . Bulacan's Chelsea Manalo is first black Miss Universe Philippines . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240524011143/https://www.bworldonline.com/arts-and-leisure/2024/05/24/597030/bulacans-chelsea-manalo-is-first-black-miss-universe-philippines/ . May 24, 2024 . 2024-05-24 . . en-US.
  7. Web site: Uson . Melanie . 2024-05-23 . Get to know Chelsea Manalo, a youth advocate who was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2024 . 2024-05-22 . Philstar Life . May 22, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240522190417/https://philstarlife.com/celebrity/372693-get-to-know-chelsea-manalo-miss-universe-philippines-2024 . live .
  8. Web site: Alpad . Christina . 2024-05-23 . Chelsea Manalo proves beauty beyond skin color . 2024-05-23 . The Manila Times . en . May 23, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240523154311/https://www.manilatimes.net/2024/05/23/entertainment-lifestyle/show-times/chelsea-manalo-proves-beauty-beyond-skin-color/1948162 . live .
  9. Web site: Villano . Alexa . 2017-09-02 . Miss World Philippines 2017 predictions : Who will win the crown? . 2024-05-22 . RAPPLER . en-US . June 2, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230602181925/https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/pageants/180894-miss-world-philippines-2017-predictions/ . live .
  10. Web site: 2017-07-29 . LOOK: Miss World Philippines 2017 candidates officially announced . 2024-05-22 . GMA News Online . en . May 22, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240522183124/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/content/619957/miss-world-philippines-2017-candidates-officially-announced/story/ . live .
  11. Web site: Villano . Alexa . 2017-09-02 . Miss World Philippines 2017 predictions : Who will win the crown? . 2024-05-22 . RAPPLER . en-US . June 2, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230602181925/https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/pageants/180894-miss-world-philippines-2017-predictions/ . live .
  12. Web site: Tantiangco . Aya . 2017-09-03 . Here are the fast track events winners of Miss World Philippines 2017 . 2024-05-22 . GMA News Online . en . April 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230430181713/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/content/624355/here-are-the-fast-track-events-winners-of-miss-world-philippines-2017/story/ . live .
  13. Web site: Villano . Alexa . 2017-09-03 . FULL LIST: Winners, Miss World Philippines 2017 . 2024-05-22 . RAPPLER . en-US . November 8, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231108025259/https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/pageants/180956-full-list-winners-miss-world-philippines-2017/ . live .
  14. Web site: Villano . Alexa . 2017-09-04 . Laura Lehmann on winning Miss World Philippines 2017 . 2024-05-22 . RAPPLER . en-US . March 26, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230326002842/https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/pageants/181059-laura-lehmann-miss-world-philippines-2017-win-advocacy/ . live .
  15. Web site: Gime . Jade Yamanaka . Bulakenya being pushed to become first Black Filipina Miss Universe . 2024-05-22 . Philstar.com . August 2, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210802162205/https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2021/06/17/2106231/bulakenya-being-pushed-become-first-black-filipina-miss-universe . live .
  16. Web site: Iglesias . Iza . 2024-05-23 . Bulacan's Chelsea Anne Manalo wins Miss Universe Philippines 2024 . 2024-05-22 . The Manila Times . en . May 22, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240522191913/https://www.manilatimes.net/2024/05/23/entertainment-lifestyle/bulacans-chelsea-anne-manalo-wins-miss-universe-philippines-2024/1948022 . live .
  17. Web site: Villanueva . Angelica . Adriatico . Abigail . 2024-04-13 . Miss Universe Philippines – Bulacan 2024 raises eyebrows for tourism video featuring airport development site in the province . 2024-05-22 . Manila Standard . en-US . April 13, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240413083832/https://manilastandard.net/showbitz/celebrity-profiles/314435362/miss-universe-philippines-bulacan-2024-raises-eyebrows-for-tourism-video-featuring-airport-development-site-in-the-province.html . live .
  18. Web site: Garcia . Nechole Jayne . 2024-04-08 . MUPH Bulacan faces backlash over tourism video featuring airport development site . 2024-05-22 . Philstar Life . May 22, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240522185649/https://philstarlife.com/news-and-views/106178-muph-bulacan-chelsea-manalo-tourism-video-airport?page=2 . live .
  19. Web site: Jusay . Annalys . Miss Universe Philippines 2024 candidates shine during preliminaries at the Manila Hotel . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240521205544/https://mb.com.ph/2024/5/20/miss-universe-philippines-2024-candidates-shine-during-preliminaries-at-the-manila-hotel . May 21, 2024 . May 21, 2024 . Manila Bulletin.
  20. Web site: Mallorca . Hannah . 2024-05-23 . TRANSCRIPT: Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Top 5 Q&A segment . 2024-05-22 . INQUIRER.net . en . May 23, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240523203633/https://entertainment.inquirer.net/557741/transcript-miss-universe-philippines-2024-top-5-qa-segment . live .
  21. Web site: Afinidad-Bernardo . Deni Rose M. . 'Bulacan Barbie' becomes first Filipino-Black American to win Miss Universe Philippines . 2024-05-22 . Philstar.com . May 22, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240522183253/https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/fashion-and-beauty/2024/05/23/2357300/bulacan-barbie-becomes-first-filipino-black-american-win-miss-universe-philippines . live .
  22. Web site: Iglesias . Iza . 2024-05-23 . Bulacan's Chelsea Anne Manalo wins Miss Universe Philippines 2024 . 2024-05-22 . The Manila Times . en . May 25, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240525132959/https://www.manilatimes.net/2024/05/23/entertainment-lifestyle/bulacans-chelsea-anne-manalo-wins-miss-universe-philippines-2024/1948022 . live .
  23. Web site: First Black Filipina crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2024. 23 May 2024. Concepcion. Eton B.. Manila Standard.
  24. Web site: Magramo . Kathleen . 2024-05-24 . First Black Filipina crowned as Miss Universe Philippines . 2024-05-24 . CNN . en.
  25. Web site: Silverio . Frederick . 2024-06-09 . Manalo gets grand welcome in Bulacan . 2024-06-10 . The Manila Times . en.
  26. News: Lim. Ron. Miss Universe Philippines Chelsea Manalo's Meycauayan homecoming. July 24, 2024. GMA Integrated News. July 15, 2024. July 24, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240724114655/https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/celebritylife/news/21006/miss-universe-philippines-chelsea-manalos-meycauayan-homecoming/photo. live.
  27. Web site: Adriatico . Abigail . Villanueva . Angelica . 2024-09-23 . Chelsea Manalo stars in music video for Orange & Lemons’ ‘La Bulaqueña’ . 2024-09-28 . Manila Standard . en-US.
  28. Web site: Afinidad-Bernardo . Deni Rose M. . 2024-09-30 . ‘Bulacan Barbie’: Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Manalo reacts to her moniker Philstar.com . 2024-11-16 . www.philstar.com . September 30, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240930093030/https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/fashion-and-beauty/2024/09/30/2389106/bulacan-barbie-miss-universe-philippines-2024-chelsea-manalo-reacts-her-moniker . live .
  29. Web site: 2024-11-14 . Filipino shoe designer Jojo Bragais introduces heels inspired by Chelsea Manalo . 2024-11-16 . GMA News Online . en.
  30. News: May 23, 2024 . Bulacan's Chelsea Manalo to represent PH at Miss Universe 2024 . May 23, 2024 . . May 25, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240525001805/https://news.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/2024/5/22/bulacan-s-chelsea-manalo-to-represent-ph-at-miss-universe-2024-2113 . live .
  31. Web site: Yap . Jade Veronique . 2024-11-04 . Chelsea Manalo advocates for children of OFWs in Miss Universe 2024's Voice for Change competition . 2024-11-17 . GMA News Online . en.
  32. Web site: Arnaldo . Steph . 2024-11-15 . LOOK: Chelsea Manalo honors heritage with 'Hiraya' national costume . 2024-11-16 . RAPPLER . en-US.
  33. Web site: Roque . Nika . 2024-11-15 . Chelsea Manalo shares details of religion-themed Miss Universe national costume . 2024-11-16 . GMA News Online . en.
  34. Web site: Purnell . Kristofer . 2024-11-17 . Chelsea Manalo goes ocean blue for Miss Universe 2024 evening gown preliminaries Philstar.com . 2024-11-16 . www.philstar.com.
  35. Web site: Iglesias . Iza . 2024-11-17 . Chelsea Manalo hopes to be country's 5th Miss Universe . 2024-11-16 . The Manila Times . en.
  36. Web site: Evangelista . Jessica Ann . 2024-11-17 . Miss Universe 2024: Philippines’ Chelsea Manalo advances to Top 30 . 2024-11-17 . INQUIRER.net . en.
  37. Web site: Tunac . Hermes Joy . 2024-11-17 . Chelsea Manalo sizzles with Tampisaw Walk on the Miss Universe 2024 swimwear competition . 2024-11-17 . GMA News Online . en.
  38. Web site: Evangelista . Jessica Ann . 2024-11-17 . Miss Universe 2024: Chelsea Manalo misses Top 12 spot . 2024-11-17 . INQUIRER.net . en.
  39. Web site: Baylon . Khryzztine Joy . 2024-11-17 . Chelsea Manalo fails to enter Top 12 of Miss Universe 2024 . 2024-11-17 . PEP.ph . en.
  40. Web site: Adina . Armin P. . 2024-11-17 . Chelsea Manalo named continental queen of Asia at Miss Universe 2024 . 2024-11-17 . INQUIRER.net . en.
  41. Web site: Purnell . Kristofer . 2024-11-17 . Chelsea Manalo wins 1st Miss Universe - Asia title; 2025 edition hosts teased . 2024-11-17 . Philstar.com.
  42. Web site: Adina . Armin P. . 2024-11-30 . Chelsea Manalo is Miss Universe 2024 Best in National Costume . 2024-11-30 . INQUIRER.net . en.
  43. Web site: Purnell . Kristofer . 2024-11-30 . Chelsea Manalo gives Philippines back-to-back National Costume wins at Miss Universe . 2024-11-30 . Philstar.com.
  44. Web site: Castelo . Sean III . 2024-05-21 . Runway to Stage: 4 Fashion Models Who Joined Miss Universe Philippines 2024 . 2024-05-22 . MEGA . en-US.
  45. Web site: Uson . Melanie . 2024-05-23 . Get to know Chelsea Manalo, a youth advocate who was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2024 . 2024-05-22 . Philstar Life . May 22, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240522190417/https://philstarlife.com/celebrity/372693-get-to-know-chelsea-manalo-miss-universe-philippines-2024 . live .
  46. Web site: Severo . Jan Milo . 2024-11-15 . Chelsea Manalo slays Miss Universe 2024 with 'Hiraya' national costume honoring Black Madonna . 2024-11-16 . Philstar.com.
  47. Web site: Go . Mayks . 2024-09-23 . Orange & Lemons Premiere "La Bulaqueña" Video With Chelsea Manalo . 2024-09-28 . billboardphilippines.com . en-US . September 23, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240923100635/https://billboardphilippines.com/music/news/orange-and-lemons-premiere-la-bulaquena-music-video-with-miss-universe-philippines-2024-chelsea-manalo/ . live .

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