Chelsea Manalo, a Filipino American, made history on Wednesday by becoming the first Black woman to be named Miss Universe Philippines.
In the Philippines, where certain Western beauty standards have endured for a long time, influenced in part by the nation’s colonial history, Manalo’s victory is a piece of a larger discussion about expanding ideas of beauty.
Major media outlets often feature models and performers with lighter skin tones, and skin-lightening procedures and cosmetics are widely available, as they are in other Asian nations.
In an interview with one of the top five finalists, Manalo was questioned about her plans to influence people via her beauty and confidence.
“As a woman of color, I have always faced challenges in my life. I was told that beauty has standards, actually,” she said, adding that she was taught to “believe in my mother, to always believe in yourself, uphold the vows that you have.”
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“Because of these, I am already influencing a lot of women who are facing me right now,” she said, gazing out to the packed arena.
Early Life and Background
Chelsea Manalo, born and raised in Bulacan, Philippines, is a 22-year-old Filipino-American. After the passing of her biological father, she was brought up by her mother, Contessa Manalo, and her stepfather. Chelsea has always been proud of her mixed heritage and uses it as a platform to advocate for diversity and empowerment.
Career Beginnings
Chelsea embarked on her modeling career at the young age of 14. She gained significant experience and recognition working with notable fashion magazines and designers such as MEGA, Preview, Job Dacon, and Mark Bumgarner. Her early exposure to the fashion industry helped her develop the confidence and poise that would later define her pageant career.
Miss Universe Philippines 2024
Chelsea’s crowning as Miss Universe Philippines 2024 marked a significant milestone in her journey. During the competition, she impressed judges with her eloquence and poise, particularly in the Q&A portion where she discussed the challenges and empowerment associated with being a woman of color. Her victory was celebrated widely, making her a national figure poised to represent the Philippines on the global stage at Miss Universe 2024.
Advocacy and Personal Beliefs
Throughout her journey, Chelsea has been a vocal advocate for body positivity. She has openly shared her personal struggles with insecurities and bullying due to her skin color and hair type. Her advocacy extends to youth education, particularly focusing on the education of indigenous young people. Chelsea leverages her social media platforms to shed light on these important issues, aiming to inspire and support others facing similar challenges.
Cultural Pride
Chelsea’s pride in her cultural roots is evident in her homage to her hometown of Bulacan. She paid tribute to this heritage during her Miss Universe Philippines journey, including a photoshoot inspired by Juan Luna’s “La Bulakenya.” This shoot featured her in a traditional Terno dress by designer Glen Lopez, emphasizing her connection to her Filipino heritage.
Chelsea Manalo stands as a symbol of resilience, cultural pride, and empowerment, ready to make her mark on the world stage as Miss Universe Philippines 2024.
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