Philippines' Chelsea Manalo's national costume "Hiraya" at Miss Universe Preliminary 2024 goes viral: Everything to know
Filipino model Chelsea Manalo recently made headlines for her Miss Universe 2024 national costume. Manalo wore an outfit called "Hiraya" at the Arena CDMX in Mexico City, Mexico, on November 14, which caught massive attention online.
The model shared some photos on her Instagram account the next day, which explained how the outfit showcased the roots of Islam and Christianity in Philippines at the beauty pageant's preliminary competition. Chelsea Manalo's intricate gold & blue gown was designed by Manny Halasan.
In one of the slides, she mentioned that the word "Hiraya" originates from an ancient Tagalog word that means "aspiration" and "hope."
As seen in the post, the detailed gown used traditional fabrics called Inaul and Puni from the Province of Sultan Kudarat and Bulacan respectively. Tongkaling ornaments from Mindanao also adorned the garment that Manalo wore at the event.
Chelsea Manalo wrote in the caption:
"Faith can navigate us through life. No matter what religion we believe in. If we pray for something, devote and give our faith and work for it, in God’s perfect time everything is possible. Despite all the hardships, chaos, roadblocks and redirection that we go through, believe that there is hope and Divine guidance from a Higher Being."
She further mentioned that the gown was to establish the historical connect between Philippines and Mexico. It further explained the "undeniable bond" between these two narions. The outfit went quite viral on social media.
More about Filipino model Chelsea Manalo and the intricate gown that she wore as The National Costume
In an exclusive interview with Mega Magazine on November 15, designer Manny Halasan discussed the outfit and how well it shed light on Philippines embracing both Islam as well Christianity. The elements involved in the outfit reportedly symbolized "blessings, protection, and rich devotion."
"This National Costume is a symbolism of the far and profound history and relationship between Philippines and Mexico," said Manny while taking to Mega Magazine.
The overskirt, which was a part of the gown, had an image of the Our Lady of Antipolo, who was brought to Philippines from Mexico. According to the Manalo's Instagram post, the outfit's color and fabric were implying how much the nation had accepted both cultures.
The post added that The Galleon Trade was to be credited for the spread of Christianism in the country, and then bringing in the Our Lady of Good Voyage. The detailed gown made it to Chelsea Manalo's Instagram feed after she shared a photo of the Miss Universe Philippines crown. In the caption of the post, she wrote:
"Feeling fired up and determined to give my best after seeing the first Filipino-crafted Miss Universe crown up so close."
Born in October 1999 in Bulacan, Chelsea Manalo had previously taken part in the Miss World Philippines 2017. Back then, she reached the top 15 of the beauty pageant. Manalo was born to a Filipino mother and an African-American father.
The model was, however, raised by her mum and step father, after her biological dad passed away in 2000. Her career in pageantry began when she was in high school. As for the National Costume, several netizens had also complimented the model and the designer.