Chelsea Manalo makes ‘historic’ stint at Miss Universe

MANILA, Philippines — More than a week has passed since Miss Universe Philippines, Chelsea Manalo, competed at the recently-concluded Miss Universe pageant in Mexico.

The latter hosted the event for the fifth time. The first was back in 1978, then followed in 1989, 1993, and 2007. In these editions, it was elusive for the Phl delegates to enter the semi-final round and participate either in the final’s swimsuit, evening gown, casual/final interview competition.

Chelsea was the fifth Pinay representative to join a Miss U Mexico edition and with the aspiration to bring home the country’s fifth Miss U crown.

The result of her campaign was not the “historic” one every Filipino pageant enthusiast and fan wanted or wished it to be, Chelsea’s representation and stint in the annual tilt of pulchritude and personality could still be counted as “historic.”

Pitting against equally beautiful and smart beauties, Chelsea made it to the semifinals or Top 30, besting other 90 plus delegates. She broke the Philippines’ non-placement status in a Miss Universe edition held in the said Latin/North American country.

Chelsea with newly-crowned Miss Universe Victoria Kjaer Theilvig from Denmark during Miss Universe Organization's announcement of its continental queens. — Photo from Miss Universe Philippines' Facebook page

The Bulacan beauty, also of Afro-American ancestry, joined the circle of Bb. Pilipinas-Universe and Miss Universe Philippines winners who advanced to the Top 10, 12, 20, 21, and 30 round. She’s now on that Miss U semifinalist list that includes Blesilda Ocampo, Louise Vail, Clarinda Soriano, Barbara Crespo, Guadalupe Sanchez, Geraldine Asis, Rachel Peters, Mary Jean Lastimosa, Rabiya Mateo, Gazini Ganados, and Michelle Marquez Dee.

She came to Mexico with such a mission, plus to continue the semifinal placement of the Philippines, regained by Michelle at the Miss Universe El Salvador last year.

During the pageant proper and live broadcast, Chelsea was able to achieve these feats.

At the press conference for the newly-crowned Miss Universe Victoria Kjaer Theilvig from Denmark, the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) announced its continental queens.

Chelsea was chosen to be one of the four and awarded the Miss Universe Asia title, as well as its first-ever recipient. It’s only now that MUO has given such an honor and recognition to a beauty contestant. The three other continental queens are Miss Finland (for Europe and the Middle East), Miss Nigeria (Africa and Oceania and Miss Universe first runner-up) and Miss Peru (for Americas and Chelsea’s roommate, friend, and pageant sister).

From what one could gather from the available online information, the continental beauties were even handpicked prior to the coronation night, so that the MUO’s preference would not, in any way, affect the decision and judgment of the selection committee.

The title is not considered a placement (like Top 12 or runner-up ranking based on the judges’ assessment), but a promotion to represent Miss U in each contestant’s continent.

Chelsea has been given the opportunity to travel to certain countries with the reigning Miss Universe and her fellow sister continental winners.

Wearing the Miss U Asia sash is another achievement on the part of Chelsea, whose Miss Universe campaign could be described as calm and collected. She had fun doing all the pre-pageant activities, the preliminary rounds (from closed-door interview and national costume to the swimsuit and evening gown) and the pageant night that saw her proudly shout the country’s name, “Philippines” with emphasis on the word’s three syllables, showcase her signature “Tampisaw Walk” in swimwear and strut in a white gown with touches of Tiffany blue gradient by Manny Halasan. The word “tampisaw” may be viewed as how a person frolics in the water or a fun action or scene. Everyone got a closer look of Chelsea’s gown during her announcement as Miss U Asia.

Indeed, Chelsea’s campaign was “historic” and she has carved out a name for herself as not just a Miss Universe semifinalist, but also the Miss U Asia.

With that, Miss Universe Philippines 2025 or the successor of Chelsea will not just aspire to carry on the semifinals placement of the country and win the fifth Miss Universe crown, but also to secure the Miss Universe Asia title.