Despite finishing her Miss Universe journey in the Top 30, Chelsea Manalo made history at this year’s international pageant as the first-ever Miss Universe Asia.
Photo: Seven Barretto
On November 17, Miss Universe selected four continental queens from the 125 participants. This aligns with the new rules for the 73rd Miss Universe, which awards four beauty queens from their respective continents.
Joining Chelsea are Nigeria’s Chidimma Adetshina for Africa and Oceania, Finland’s Matilda Wirtavuori for Europe and the Middle East, and Peru’s Tatiana Calmell for the Americas.
As continental queens, they will serve as ambassadors for their respective continents and accompany Denmark’s Victoria Kjaer Theilvig, the newly crowned Miss Universe 2024, on visits to various countries. According to reports, Chelsea is expected to visit Palawan and Thailand.
In a video posted by Miss Universe Philippines, the Bulakenya beauty queen expressed heartfelt gratitude and pride for being named the first Miss Universe Asia.
“Mabuhay ang Pilipinas (Long live the Philippines)! We are making history as Miss Universe Asia,” she beamed.
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Chelsea is the first Filipino-Black American to clinch the Miss Universe Philippines title. She has been an advocate for indigenous communities and youth empowerment.
Congratulations and we’re proud of you, Chelsea!
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