Chelsea Manalo

Chelsea Anne Manalo (born October 14, 1999) is a Filipino model and beauty pageant titleholder who was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2024.

Making history as the first Black Filipino to represent the country in Miss Universe, she will represent the Philippines at the Miss Universe 2024 competition.

Manalo was born in Meycauayan, Bulacan, on October 14, 1999, to an American father and a Filipina mother, Contessa Manalo.

Her parents separated in 2000 and after the death of her father, Contessa remarried and raised Manalo with her stepfather.

Manalo graduated college with a degree in tourism.

Manalo began working as a model at age 14, and first began her career in pageantry as a high school student.

Manalo has cited English model Naomi Campbell as an inspiration.

In 2021, Manalo became an endorser for the Philippine clothing brand Bench.

Manalo previously competed in Miss World Philippines 2017 where she placed in the top 15.

An advocate for indigenous people, Manalo campaigns for youth empowerment.

In 2017, Manalo competed at the Miss World Philippines 2017 pageant.

In the run-up to the pageant, Rappler named her as a "dark horse" candidate, providing praise for her runway walk.

In the fast-track events, Manalo was named as a finalist for the "Top Model" challenge, which was won by Cynthia Thomalla.

At the coronation night held on September 3, 2017, Manalo finished as a top 15 finalist for the crown, which was won by Laura Lehmann.

Following her stint in Miss World Philippines, Manalo was touted as a potential candidate for Miss Universe Philippines 2021.

On February 19, 2024, Manalo was introduced as one of the 55 delegates competing at Miss Universe Philippines 2024, representing Bulacan.

Following her introduction, Mega named her as one of the ten competitors in the pageant to "look out for", describing her as a "queen who’s willing to make a revolution happen".

In the run-up to the pageant, Manalo drew flak online for including the construction site of the New Manila International Airport in her tourism video for the pageant, whose development was subject to environmental concerns.

At the coronation night, Manalo advanced to the top 5, where she was asked, "You are beautiful and confident. How would you use these qualities to empower others?".

She responded:

"As a woman of color, I have always faced challenges in my life. I was told that beauty has standards. But for me, I have listened to always believe in my mother, to always believe in myself, and uphold the vows that I have. Because of these, I am already influencing a lot of women who are facing me right now. As a transformational woman, I have here 52 other delegates with me who have helped me to become the woman I am."

At the end of the event, Manalo was named as the winner and was crowned by outgoing titleholder Michelle Dee.

Her victory was noted by publications as a "dark horse" win, citing unfavorable predictions for Manalo from observers.

With her win, Manalo became the first Black Filipino candidate to be selected to represent the Philippines at Miss Universe.

Manalo will represent the Philippines at Miss Universe 2024, to be held in Mexico.

Manalo is an advocate for the indigenous Dumagat people of Norzagaray, Bulacan.

She has worked with the youth organization Kids for Kids, which aims to reach out and empower indigenous youth.