MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines' representative, Chelsea Manalo, was awarded the Best in National Costume special award at Miss Universe 2024, two weeks after the pageant ended.
Chelsea ended her Miss Universe 2024 run in the Top 30, but right after the pageant's conclusion last November 16 (the 17th in the Philippines), she became the first-ever titleholder of Miss Universe - Asia.
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The Filipino-made "Light of Infinity" crown ultimately went to Victoria Kjær Theilvig, who is the first Miss Universe titleholder from Denmark.
The Miss Universe Organization then announced the Top 3 winners of the National Costume competition, which was held two days before the Miss Universe 2024 coronation night, based on fan votes.
Chelsea was named the winner for her "Hiraya" costume designed by Manny Halasan, which depicts the history of Christianization and Islam in the Philippines.