It’s pageant season anew. Aside from Chelsea Manalo, more Filipinas are joining the battle for the Miss Universe crown
This year’s Miss Universe hopefuls boast of a mix of pageant veterans, fresh faces, and former Miss Universe Philippines contestants. It’s the largest group of delegates yet—130 national titleholders will flaunt their aplomb, poise, and dramatis personae in hopes of being crowned Nicaraguan queen Sheynnis Palacios’s successor. Among them, aside from Philippines’ bet Chelsea Manalo, are half-Filipinas Cristina Chalk, Victoria Velasquez Vincent, and newly crowned Shereen Ahmed.
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Dubbed “Bulacan Barbie” by pageant fans and critics alike, Manalo made history as the first Filipino African-American to win the title. The model and tourism management graduate earned her ticket to Miss Universe after besting 52 other aspirants that included a number of strong favorites and seasoned contenders. The Bulacan native will attempt to become the fifth Filipino queen to ascend to the Miss Universe crown after Catriona Gray (2018), Pia Wurtzbach (2015), Margie Moran (1973), and Gloria Diaz (1969).
Here are the rest of the Miss Universe Philippines veterans joining the fray for the crown:
Christina Chalk, Miss Universe Great Britain
The journey to the crown is long and hard—and until recently, restrictive. Last year, the Miss Universe pageants lifted the age restrictions and widened the pool of candidates. This positive shift is a move towards greater inclusivity and representation—and signified another opportunity for Christina Chalk to reclaim her dream. Chalk was the United Kingdom’s representative in the Miss Universe Philippines pageant; she finished in the Top 20, and then went on to continue her career in the UK. Last July 6, being crowned Miss Universe Britain, Chalk proved that beauty, strength, and dreaming doesn’t stop at a certain age. “Many know this wasn’t my first, second, or even third attempt at Miss Universe Great Britain,” she penned in an emotional post after her coronation. “Whilst I was proud to be first runner-up twice, I was relieved when I aged out…I felt it was time to move on. However, when Miss Universe lifted their age restrictions, I knew there was unfinished business. I’m glad I followed my heart.”
Now, the Filipina-Scottish beauty queen is eyeing the Miss Universe title with determination and grit. She thanks the Miss Universe Philippines family for all the lessons learned, and, tagging Chelsea Manalo: “I can’t wait to see you in Mexico!”
Victoria Velasquez Vincent, Miss Universe New Zealand
New Zealand is betting on Filipina-Kiwi Victoria Velasquez Vincent to win Miss Universe 2024. A name familiar in pageant circles, Vincent was named Miss Universe Philippines Charity in 2021, and finished in the top 10 in the 2024 edition last May. But last September, VVV finally claimed another victory.
The beauty queen declared on her Instagram broadcast channel that she is honoring her father’s heritage by competing in Miss Universe New Zealand 2024. “I’ve always been proud of being mixed race,” she wrote. “I’m a symbol of my parents’ love, which endured so much discrimination back when they first got together. Time to honor my dad’s side of my heritage and the country where I took my first step, spoke my first word, had my first heartbreak, and earned my double master’s degree which I never shut up about,” Vincent continued. “Mahal kong Pilipinas, lagi kayong nasa puso ko. Kahit saan, kahit kailan.”
Vincent plans to bring a seasoned perspective and renewed vigor to the universal stage.
Shereen Ahmed, Miss Universe Bahrain
Half-Filipina and half-Bahraini Shereen Ahmed was recently crowned Miss Universe Bahrain after a heartbreaking loss at second runner-up in the pageant in 2022. In that year, Ahmed took the opportunity to step afoot on the global stage to “take a risk and rid myself of fear. Outwardly, it may have seemed effortless, but deep down, I still doubted my potential to be a role model. Even after sharing my story and impacting others, I wasn’t convinced I could truly be her,” she wrote.
Ahmed shared that she continued her day job as a TV presenter. The story of Michelle Dee, Miss Universe Philippines 2023, marked a turning point in her career and inspired her to reignite her passion for the pageant. With the lifting of the age restrictions in Miss Universe, the half-Filipina said that she felt like the stars aligned. “It was a moment of clarity—a chance to pursue my true self. This journey has been about breaking free from limiting beliefs, stepping out of my comfort zone, and letting my inner strength shine through,” she penned. Ahmed added that despite the challenging path and countless setbacks, she is honored to “be able to advocate for our region, for single mothers, for those struggling with mental health and of course, to represent Bahrain and show the Universe the very essence of our people.”
Photos and Featured Image: CHRISTINA CHALK, MISS UNIVERSE NEW ZEALAND, SHEREEN AHMED (via Instagram)
