Chelsea Manalo
Chelsea Manalo | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Manalo in 2024 | |
| Born | Chelsea Anne Manalo October 14, 1999 Meycauayan, Bulacan, Philippines |
| Education | De La Salle Araneta University (BS) |
| Occupation | Model |
| Beauty pageant titleholder | |
| Title | |
| Major competition(s) |
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Chelsea Anne Manalo (Tagalog: [ˈtʃɛlsi mɐˈnalɔ]; 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.[1][3][4] She briefly lived in Las Vegas, Nevada, with her biological paternal grandmother from ages ten through twelve.[4] 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.[7]
Pageantry
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.[9] In the fast-track events, Manalo was named as a finalist for the "Top Model" challenge, which was won by Thia Tomalla.[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
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
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" (transl. I hope – transl. I wish) 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]
Advocacies
Manalo is an advocate for the indigenous Dumagat people of Norzagaray, Bulacan.[42] She has worked with the youth organization Kids for Kids, which aims to reach out and empower indigenous youth.[43]
Personal life
Manalo is a devotee of the Our Lady of Antipolo.[44]
Videography
Music videos
| Title | Year | Artist | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| "La Bulaqueña" | 2024 | Orange and Lemons | [45] |
References
- ^ a b Bravo, Frances Karmel (May 23, 2024). "Meet Chelsea Manalo, Miss Universe Philippines 2024". PEP.ph. Archived from the original on May 23, 2024. Retrieved May 23, 2024.
- ^ Tuazon, Franchesca (November 14, 2024). "Will Chelsea Manalo be the country's fifth Miss Universe?". PeopleAsia. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
- ^ "Chelsea Manalo and mom overwhelmed after Miss Universe Philippines 2024 win". GMA Network. May 23, 2024. Archived from the original on May 24, 2024. Retrieved May 23, 2024.
- ^ a b Castillejo, Dyan (May 24, 2024). "Chelsea Manalo humble and radiant after winning MUPH 2024 crown". ABS-CBN News. Archived from the original on May 24, 2024. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
- ^ Evangelista, Jessica Ann (May 23, 2024). "Get to know Chelsea Anne Manalo, Miss Universe Philippines 2024". INQUIRER.net. Archived from the original on May 25, 2024. Retrieved May 23, 2024.
- ^ "Bulacan's Chelsea Manalo is first black Miss Universe Philippines". BusinessWorld. May 23, 2024. Archived from the original on May 24, 2024. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
- ^ a b Uson, Melanie (May 23, 2024). "Get to know Chelsea Manalo, a youth advocate who was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2024". Philstar Life. Archived from the original on May 22, 2024. Retrieved May 22, 2024.
- ^ Alpad, Christina (May 23, 2024). "Chelsea Manalo proves beauty beyond skin color". The Manila Times. Archived from the original on May 23, 2024. Retrieved May 23, 2024.
- ^ a b Villano, Alexa (September 2, 2017). "Miss World Philippines 2017 predictions : Who will win the crown?". RAPPLER. Archived from the original on June 2, 2023. Retrieved May 22, 2024.
- ^ "LOOK: Miss World Philippines 2017 candidates officially announced". GMA News Online. July 29, 2017. Archived from the original on May 22, 2024. Retrieved May 22, 2024.
- ^ Villano, Alexa (September 2, 2017). "Miss World Philippines 2017 predictions : Who will win the crown?". RAPPLER. Archived from the original on June 2, 2023. Retrieved May 22, 2024.
- ^ Tantiangco, Aya (September 3, 2017). "Here are the fast track events winners of Miss World Philippines 2017". GMA News Online. Archived from the original on April 30, 2023. Retrieved May 22, 2024.
- ^ Villano, Alexa (September 3, 2017). "FULL LIST: Winners, Miss World Philippines 2017". RAPPLER. Archived from the original on November 8, 2023. Retrieved May 22, 2024.
- ^ Villano, Alexa (September 4, 2017). "Laura Lehmann on winning Miss World Philippines 2017". RAPPLER. Archived from the original on March 26, 2023. Retrieved May 22, 2024.
- ^ Gime, Jade Yamanaka. "Bulakenya being pushed to become first Black Filipina Miss Universe". Philstar.com. Archived from the original on August 2, 2021. Retrieved May 22, 2024.
- ^ Iglesias, Iza (May 23, 2024). "Bulacan's Chelsea Anne Manalo wins Miss Universe Philippines 2024". The Manila Times. Archived from the original on May 22, 2024. Retrieved May 22, 2024.
- ^ Villanueva, Angelica; Adriatico, Abigail (April 13, 2024). "Miss Universe Philippines – Bulacan 2024 raises eyebrows for tourism video featuring airport development site in the province". Manila Standard. Archived from the original on April 13, 2024. Retrieved May 22, 2024.
- ^ Garcia, Nechole Jayne (April 8, 2024). "MUPH Bulacan faces backlash over tourism video featuring airport development site". Philstar Life. Archived from the original on May 22, 2024. Retrieved May 22, 2024.
- ^ Jusay, Annalys. "Miss Universe Philippines 2024 candidates shine during preliminaries at the Manila Hotel". Manila Bulletin. Archived from the original on May 21, 2024. Retrieved May 21, 2024.
- ^ Mallorca, Hannah (May 23, 2024). "TRANSCRIPT: Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Top 5 Q&A segment". INQUIRER.net. Archived from the original on May 23, 2024. Retrieved May 22, 2024.
- ^ Afinidad-Bernardo, Deni Rose M. "'Bulacan Barbie' becomes first Filipino-Black American to win Miss Universe Philippines". Philstar.com. Archived from the original on May 22, 2024. Retrieved May 22, 2024.
- ^ Iglesias, Iza (May 23, 2024). "Bulacan's Chelsea Anne Manalo wins Miss Universe Philippines 2024". The Manila Times. Archived from the original on May 25, 2024. Retrieved May 22, 2024.
- ^ Concepcion, Eton B. (May 23, 2024). "First Black Filipina crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2024". Manila Standard.
- ^ Magramo, Kathleen (May 24, 2024). "First Black Filipina crowned as Miss Universe Philippines". CNN. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
- ^ Silverio, Frederick (June 9, 2024). "Manalo gets grand welcome in Bulacan". The Manila Times. Retrieved June 10, 2024.
- ^ Lim, Ron (July 15, 2024). "Miss Universe Philippines Chelsea Manalo's Meycauayan homecoming". GMA Integrated News. Archived from the original on July 24, 2024. Retrieved July 24, 2024.
- ^ Adriatico, Abigail; Villanueva, Angelica (September 23, 2024). "Chelsea Manalo stars in music video for Orange & Lemons' 'La Bulaqueña'". Manila Standard. Retrieved September 28, 2024.
- ^ Afinidad-Bernardo, Deni Rose M. (September 30, 2024). "'Bulacan Barbie': Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Manalo reacts to her moniker | Philstar.com". www.philstar.com. Archived from the original on September 30, 2024. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
- ^ "Filipino shoe designer Jojo Bragais introduces heels inspired by Chelsea Manalo". GMA News Online. November 14, 2024. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
- ^ "Bulacan's Chelsea Manalo to represent PH at Miss Universe 2024". ABS-CBN. May 23, 2024. Archived from the original on May 25, 2024. Retrieved May 23, 2024.
- ^ Yap, Jade Veronique (November 4, 2024). "Chelsea Manalo advocates for children of OFWs in Miss Universe 2024's Voice for Change competition". GMA News Online. Retrieved November 17, 2024.
- ^ Arnaldo, Steph (November 15, 2024). "LOOK: Chelsea Manalo honors heritage with 'Hiraya' national costume". RAPPLER. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
- ^ Roque, Nika (November 15, 2024). "Chelsea Manalo shares details of religion-themed Miss Universe national costume". GMA News Online. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
- ^ Purnell, Kristofer (November 17, 2024). "Chelsea Manalo goes ocean blue for Miss Universe 2024 evening gown preliminaries | Philstar.com". www.philstar.com. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
- ^ Iglesias, Iza (November 17, 2024). "Chelsea Manalo hopes to be country's 5th Miss Universe". The Manila Times. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
- ^ Evangelista, Jessica Ann (November 17, 2024). "Miss Universe 2024: Philippines' Chelsea Manalo advances to Top 30". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved November 17, 2024.
- ^ Tunac, Hermes Joy (November 17, 2024). "Chelsea Manalo sizzles with Tampisaw Walk on the Miss Universe 2024 swimwear competition". GMA News Online. Retrieved November 17, 2024.
- ^ Evangelista, Jessica Ann (November 17, 2024). "Miss Universe 2024: Chelsea Manalo misses Top 12 spot". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved November 17, 2024.
- ^ Baylon, Khryzztine Joy (November 17, 2024). "Chelsea Manalo fails to enter Top 12 of Miss Universe 2024". PEP.ph. Retrieved November 17, 2024.
- ^ Adina, Armin P. (November 17, 2024). "Chelsea Manalo named continental queen of Asia at Miss Universe 2024". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved November 17, 2024.
- ^ Purnell, Kristofer (November 17, 2024). "Chelsea Manalo wins 1st Miss Universe - Asia title; 2025 edition hosts teased". Philstar.com. Retrieved November 17, 2024.
- ^ Castelo, Sean III (May 21, 2024). "Runway to Stage: 4 Fashion Models Who Joined Miss Universe Philippines 2024". MEGA. Retrieved May 22, 2024.
- ^ Uson, Melanie (May 23, 2024). "Get to know Chelsea Manalo, a youth advocate who was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2024". Philstar Life. Archived from the original on May 22, 2024. Retrieved May 22, 2024.
- ^ Severo, Jan Milo (November 15, 2024). "Chelsea Manalo slays Miss Universe 2024 with 'Hiraya' national costume honoring Black Madonna". Philstar.com. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
- ^ Go, Mayks (September 23, 2024). "Orange & Lemons Premiere "La Bulaqueña" Video With Chelsea Manalo". billboardphilippines.com. Archived from the original on September 23, 2024. Retrieved September 28, 2024.
