What will Miss Philippines Chelsea Manalo wear for her National Costume? What is her walk called? Is she ready for the stage?
Last October 10, Miss Universe Philippines organized an intimate send-off party for our Philippines representative Miss Chelsea Manalo. In a gorgeous green dress, her Miss Universe Philippines sash and the glittering crown atop her head, the beauty queen stood tall and proud on stage. Just from her posture, smile, and the way she passionately answered the audience’s questions, she embodied grace, elegance, and poise in everything she did.
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Joining the send-off were those closest to her—her parents, childhood best friend, the friends she made in Miss Universe Philippines, even MUPH Executive Vice President Voltaire Tayag. They all shared their heartfelt sentiments and support for Chelsea, wishing and manifesting that the crown will choose her.
Voltaire Tayag praises Miss Universe Philippines for her elegance, her energy, and most of all, her effortless authenticity that shone from shoots to high profile events. “That’s something we could never train. That’s something we could never tell somebody,” Tayag explained. Surrounded by a team with good hearts, her faith, and all her friends, he hopes that the new queen that will be crowned coming from Mexico will be Chelsea.
MEGA asked beauty queen Shamcey Supsup-Lee why she thinks Miss Universe Philippines Chelsea will win the crown. She answered,
While Chelsea’s inner circle shared to the audience how authentic, down to earth, and genuine Chelsea Manalo is, many have also given her reminder that while this may be the most important competition in her life, she must not forget to enjoy and have fun with the competition.
A Long-Haul Flight
Miss Universe Philippines Chelsea Manalo revealed that before her flight to Mexico for Miss Universe, she’ll be dropping by Los Angeles to continue her training in preparation for the competition. This will be her first longest flight she has ever been on.
During this time, she was advised by her peers and mentors to prioritize resting and eating. The beauty queen mentioned that she was able to talk to former Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach and asked her what she did during the Miss Universe competition. Chelsea revealed that Pia had told to just enjoy the competition, eat, and get plenty of rest.
A Hint for What She’ll Wear
“Regal” was the word Chelsea used to describe her long gown for the upcoming Miss Universe. As for her National Costume, she answered, “It’s very FIlipino. There’s a story of who we are as Filipinos.”
For both looks, the beauty queen explained that she wanted to exceed the expectations of the Filipino supporters and of course, it should have a “wow factor.”
The Name of Her Pasarela
When asked if the beauty queen has already named her pasarela or her signature walk, Chelsea called it the “Tampisaw” walk. She then realized later how it really was a “Tampisaw” walk because as she walked out the stage, she heard Lola Amour hit song “Raining in Manila.” The beauty queen reminisced the times she would play in the rain as a little girl, even so far as sneaking out just to enjoy the rain.
“Who knows, if I go to Miss Universe and there might be a pasarela you guys want to see. Lets name something. Help me with that,” Chelsea added.
How She Wants To Be Remembered
Aside from being the beauty queen that she is today, Miss Universe Philippines Chelsea Manalo admitted that when one thinks about a beauty queen, it is not just her we think about, but all the other beauty queens before her and the those to look forward to, urging us to understand their stories and what they bring to other people.
“Chelsea Manalo,” the beauty queen declared. “She is very authentic, she has that heart. Sabi nga ni Ms. Pia, if she is confidently beautiful with a heart, and I think I am very confident enough to be who I am.”
The Fearless Queen
As nerve-racking as it is to compete on a bigger stage with a wider audience, beauty queen Chelsea Manalo is unfazed, cool, and confident. When asked by the media if being in the competition scares her, she confidently disagreed.
Another question was asked, “If you are going to rate yourself from 1-10, how ready is Chelsea Manalo for Miss Universe 2024 in Mexico?”
Chelsea answered nine, expressing that she doesn’t want to say that she’s 100% ready because that one out of ten is for the Filipinos that support her. “So if I can get that support from all the other Filipinos who are here right now, beyond your lenses, beyond the media then we’re ready. We’re ready to get that crown.”
And why should she be the next Miss Universe 2024? Aside from being the compassionate and proud Filipino that she is, Chelsea is also not afraid to take risks. “I am someone who is raised to be that person: that I am not afraid and I am very compassionate; that there’s a lot of dreams that I hope for; that is not just for me but alot of people; and if i can carry that, supporting the dreams of so many people in the universe, then I know I am doing the best job to be the next Miss Universe,” she passionately said.
Photographed by TIMOTHY DUEÑAS