Let’s take a look at Chelsea Manalo’s journey as she takes on the bigger stage: Miss Universe
With grace, poise, and authenticity like no other, Miss Universe Philippines Chelsea Manalo is ready to take on the Miss Universe stage. The beauty queen has taken months to prepare herself for an even grander stage and all she needs now is the support of the Filipinos to stand beside her. Before she wows us with her beauty and confidence at the preliminaries and the coronation night, the Filipino contender lets these photos capture her face card for the competition.
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The Official Miss Universe Headshot
For her official headshot, Miss Universe Chelsea Manalo went for a clean, sleek, and minimalist look, letting her eyes and small smile speak for itself. American model and TV Personality Tyra Banks took to Instagram to support the beauty queen, commenting “Get it, girl!!!!!” on Manalo’s post.
Miss Universe Philippines
Donning her winning look, Chelsea took her first portrait as the reigning Miss Universe Philippines. Deemed as the dark horse of the competition, she rose to the top because of her quiet confidence.
The Dark Horse
Many considered the beauty queen a dark house—an unexpected winner. Despite this, she embraced her crown, knowing that she won through her authenticity and determination. “Victory is mine for the taking,” Chelsea said confidently in her Instagram post.
Mariposa Bella
Translating to “beautiful butterfly,” the beauty queen channels the modern Filipina—graceful, elegant, and strong. The butterfly goes through a transformation to reveal its beautiful wings, just like Chelsea Manalo. Over the months of her training, the Bulaqueña was transformed not just to a beauty queen, but to rightful Miss Universe Philippines.
Fierce and Sharp
Taking inspiration from Naomi Campbell, Chelsea posed for the camera—making a sleek and striking statement with her whole ensemble. From one look to another, the model-beauty queen proved her versatility—a quality essential to a Miss Universe queen.
La Reina Bulaqueña
With the beauty queen hailing from the province of Bulacan, Chelsea Manalo starred in Orange & Lemons’ music video “La Bulaqueña”. Shot in the National Museum of Fine Arts, the queen looked like she belonged in the museum with her beauty.
Timeless Glamour
Approaching an old Hollywood glam look with her ostrich feather-layered gown by Francis Libiran and updo, Chelsea Manalo was the personification of regality that knows no bounds of time.
Princess Tiana
After a magical journey of being crowned Miss Universe Philippines, she set out for another adventure. This time, to a bigger, grander stage. Here, she channeled Tiana from The Princess & The Frog in a gorgeous chartreuse green gown—just in time for Halloween last October.
The Passionate Rosalinda
Standing out in a bright red ruffled dress, Manalo brought out the icon Rosalinda in her. Here, she channeled the passion and beauty of Mexico and one of its most iconic actresses.
The Golden Maria Clara
Meshing the demure character of Maria Clara and the extravagance of the color gold, Miss Universe Philippines elevated the Filipina look in a gilded manner.
The Glamorous Morena
“Piel Morena,” was Chelsea Manalo’s caption for this photoshoot; in English, “brown skin.” In glossy gloves and a daring, hot pink dress, the beauty queen exuded a fiercer and bolder ensemble.
The Shining Queen
With a dress that matched the crown on her head, Chelsea Manalo simply looked like a queen if the Philippines were to have one. Paired with a dress with a shade almost like a pearl, it seemed like she’s ready for her reign.
The Authentic Island Girl
Letting her curly hair loose and enjoying the sand, the beauty queen reminds us of the authenticity we bring with us every day.
The Glowing Morena
As radiant as her brown skin, Chelsea Manalo goes for minimal to let her personality, passion, and authenticity shine.
The Dreamer
In her Instagram post, Chelsea Manalo celebrated diversity, resilience, and self-acceptance as she embraced her dark skin. She reminds us that beauty isn’t seen in a single shade, in a single woman, in a single standard, but is seen in our authentic selves.
The Filipina in Black
With the preliminary round a day away, Miss Universe Philippines goes for dark and bold for this shoot. She donned an elegant, fully-embroidered masterpiece by Francis Libiran with interesting cuts that showed off her hips. Channeling the vibrant spirit of Mexico, she paired her look with a classic sombrero in black and white.
The Crowned Beauty Queen
She is beauty, she is grace, she is an authentic beauty. These headshots show a bit of a wild side to Chelsea Manalo with her wild hair. And yet, her beautiful smile shrines through, just like a beauty queen.
The Dazzling Filipina
With grace and purpose, Chelsea Manalo stuns in glittering, ombré gown by Manny Halasan. The beauty queen is ready to dazzle the Miss Universe stage.
The Golden Star
In a gown that resembled the stars above us, Miss Universe Philippines embodied the Filipino color so boldly, so effortlessly. Under the spotlight, Chelsea Manalo is a star.
Braver and Bolder
Showing off another masterpiece by designer Manny Halasan, Chelsea Manalo described this look “a testament to my strength, elegance, and unapologetic boldness.” In gold, the beauty queen is glowing.
The Regal Filipina
In a magnificent black and gold gown from Francis Libiran’s Phoenix Collection, Chelsea Manalo channeled a timeless and powerful beauty, carried only by a queen.
Photography, Creative Direction, and Production by Seven Barretto. Art Direction and Production Design by Erwin Botin. Gown by Francis Libiran. Styling by Paris Roxas. Makeup by Carissa Cielo Medved. Hair by Jan Edrosolan. Photography Team: Claude Villahermosa, Dariel Miraflo, and Studio 7.
The Tropical Stunner
Chelsea Manalo stood in the glittering waters, as mesmerizing as a siren’s song. In a festive bikini set and her hair let loose, she celebrates her country with pride.
The Elegant Filipina
Donning all the colors of the Philippine flag, Chelsea Manalo embraces her identity as a woman of color, as a Filipino. Bringing the colors together, the beauty queen has rallied her nation to support her.
Photography, Creative Direction, and Production by Seven Barretto. Art Direction by Erwin Botin. Yellow Gown by Rian Fernandez. Red Gown by Just Bonita. Blue Gown by Ehrann Montoya. Styling by Paris Roxas. Makeup by Chelsea Manalo and Kenneth Marcelino. Hair by Jerry Javier and Angelu Domiguez. Photography Team: Claude Villahermosa, Dariel Miraflo, and Studio 7.
The Gilded Grace
For her final photoshoot, Chelsea Manalo donned a detailed dress and paired it with a dramatic eye look. The beauty queen was shining, shimmering, and might we say, splendid—a true golden queen.
Featured Image and Photos: CHELSEA MANALO (via Instagram)
