Chelsea vows, “Hindi kita bibiguin. Ilalaban natin ito”
Newly crowned Miss Universe Philippines Chelsea Manalo pledges not to let the country down in the upcoming edition of Miss Universe pageant in Mexico.
Chelsea, who hails from Bulacan, is indeed determined to bring home the fifth Miss Universe crown—as expressed in a gratitude letter she posted on her Instagram account on Thursday, May 23, 2024.
In a lengthy letter of thanks for her family and supporters, Chelsea writes, ”I once thought that a fallen star can never be reborn. For years it kept itself absorbed in the dark void. But once again it found its light. I was that star and last night I shone brightest because of all the love and support I received.”
At the forefront of support were Chelsea’s parents who she says have served as her, “pillar of strength and inspiration.” She continues, I never stumbled as I envisioned myself walking with you. I was calm because I imagined you were holding my hands.
“Every word I spoke came from the genuine heart you both nurtured. Every step I made on the stage led us to achieving the crown we all dreamed of. You, both, deserve my eternal gratitude.”
IMAGE: themissuniverseph on Instagram
Chelsea then extends her gratitude to her team, who she dubs as her heroes. According to her, it was because of their “magic, kindness, and generosity that propelled her to greater heights.
She also offers warm appreciation to her Miss Universe Philippines sisters, who Chelsea says have allowed her “to find a home away from home.” Lastly, she also mentioned her supporters who cheered and believed in the greatness she can be.
Ultimately, Chelsea made a promise for the Philippines—saying that she will put up a good fight in getting the fifth Miss Universe crown for the country.
She pledges, “Sa ‘yo mahal kong Pilipinas, gagawin ko ang lahat para iuwi ang pang-limang korona. Hindi kita bibiguin. Ilalaban natin ito. Maraming Salamat po. Chelsea then ends her note with, “Again, this is Chelsea Manalo from Bulacan, Philippines to the Universe.”
Chelsea bested 52 other delegates in the recently concluded Miss Universe Philippines at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. Her royal court was composed of Cainta’s Stacey Gabriel in second place, Quezon Province’s Ahtisa Manalo in third place, Baguio’s Tara Valencia in third place, and Taguig’s Christi McGarry in fifth place.
Chelsea is a 22-year-old black beauty born to an American father and a Filipino mother, Contessa Manalo. Having lost her father, Chelsea was then brought up by her mother together with her stepfather.
At 14, Chelsea entered the world of modeling. Her pageant journey, on the other hand, started in 2017 when she joined the Miss World Philippines pageant—securing a Top 15 finish.
After Chelsea’s coronation, the Miss Universe Philippines organization has also appointed some delegates for other pageant franchises. Ahtisa was given the Miss Cosmo Philippines title; Tara was crowned Miss Supranational Philippines; Alexie Brooks of Iloilo was appointed as Miss Eco International Philippines, and Pampanga’s Cyrille Payumo was merited Miss Charm Philippines.
READ ALSO: Bulacan’s Chelsea Manalo Crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2024
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