The weight of the crown is heavy, and the pressure to do well is even heavier. Easing off of this pressure, though, are Chelsea Manalo’s supporters
The Miss Universe pageant is one of the most important competitions of a beauty queen’s life. With a large stage and an even larger audience, the pressure to represent the country from the grace of her walk to the eloquence of her speech is even greater. While it was difficult for beauty queens to represent the country, what made the pressure lighter and easier was the support of the nation. With Filipinos being avid fans of Miss Universe, they supported Chelsea Manalo without a second thought.
Just during the preliminary round of Miss Universe, many were wowed by Manalo’s National Costume, which was a representation of the shared history, culture, and devotion between the Philippines and Mexico. Seen commenting on Miss Universe Philippines’ Instagram post were former Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, former Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, Filipino drag queen M1ss Jade So, actress and beauty queen Lara Quigaman, and more.
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Tyra Banks
One of the most surprising supporters of Miss Universe Philippines is supermodel and TV personality Tyra Banks. A few days before the Miss Universe pageant, the model left comments on some of Manalo’s Instagram posts. In the beauty queen’s headshot, Banks sent a “Get it, girl!!!!” seemingly excited for Manalo’s performance.
She also left a short and sweet comment on one of Manalo’s photoshoots where the beauty queen showed off her luxurious curls. “Work!!!” The model said with a matching fire emoji.
Michelle Dee
Shortly after the coronation of Miss Universe, Michelle Dee took to Instagram to congratulate Chelsea Manalo despite her early exit. “Ipinagmamalaki ka namin @manalochelsea ❤️🔥🇵🇭 You made us all proud,” Dee captioned, expressing her heartfelt pride for Manalo’s short but impactful performance.
Dee also attached the photo of her crowning Manalo as Miss Universe Philippines, reminiscing how the graceful Bulakenyo balanced the crown on her head.
Pia Wurtzbach
During the media launch of the Love Gala Auction—part of Pia Wurtzbach’s efforts to advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness, the former Miss Universe took the opportunity to rally the Filipinos and encourage the fans to support Chelsea Manalo.
“Let’s all support our very own Miss Philippines, Chelsea Manalo. She is a sweetheart, an angel, and I know she will make us all proud,” Wurtzbach expressed.
Vice Ganda
Throughout the competition, TV host and actor Vice Ganda has taken to X, reacting to all the events happening in Miss Universe. Without even trying, netizens are having a laugh at her unhinged tweets.
While the comedienne has also expressed her disappointment due to Chelsea’s short journey, Vice Ganda thanked the Bulakenya for a strong and wonderful performance and wished her a safe flight back to the Philippines.
FEATURED IMAGE AND PHOTOS: MICHELLE DEE, CHELSEA MANALO, MISS UNIVERSE PH, PIA WURTZBACH