Who is Chelsea Manalo? Miss Universe Philippines 2024 contestant misses top 12, leaving internet disappointed
Well-known model Chelsea Manalo's journey at the Miss Universe 2024 ended after she failed to grab a spot among the Top 12. The event was held on November 17, 2024, at the Arena CDMX in Mexico.
Apart from Manalo, 29 more models managed to reach the semifinals and she wore a lilac two-piece swimsuit alongside a sheer golden cape as she showcased her Tampisaw Walk. The walk was specifically praised as Chelsea dragged her foot and it was inspired by a single, Raining In Manila, released by Lola Amour.
Chelsea Manalo's modeling career dates back to the time when she was 14 years old, as per Harper's Bazaar Arabia. She is also the first contestant of African descent to represent the Philippines at Miss Universe this year.
On the other hand, netizens took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to share their reactions to Manalo's elimination. One of them wrote:
"There is always a next time. Do not get disheartened. We all love you."
Similar responses continued, with social media users praising Chelsea for representing the Philippines in the competition.
"Thank you for representing the Philippines, Chelsea! We appreciate all your efforts and we're proud of you!", a user wrote on X.
"So sad for her but best of luck next time", another user stated on X.
However, a few others also expressed criticism for everything that happened, with one of them calling it an "unfair" decision.
"This is NOT fair... she deserves it.. NO CHELSEA IN TOP 12???!", a netizen mentioned on X.
"The present Miss Universe committee now especially the one from Thailand is good in making the prestigious beauty pageant to lose its credibility… This is a wake up call guys.. shame on you", one of the reactions reads.
"Chelsea Manalo was robbed! I have not followed the Miss Universe competition in years. But I did so this year, because of her", a reaction mentioned.
Chelsea Manalo participated in Miss World Philippines in the past
Chelsea Manalo appeared for an interview with PeopleAsia before the competition this month, recalling her early days. Notably, her biological parents split when she was only two and Chelsea revealed the reason for the separation, saying that her father wanted to return to Las Vegas and her mother was not willing to leave the Philippines.
She said that she was a victim of bullying at school since she looked a little bit different. She called it a painful experience as she had no idea of how to handle such situations and added:
"Even if people told me that no, you're beautiful, there came a point that I no longer believed them."
Manalo was initially employed at a hotel before pursuing a career as a model. PeopleAsia stated that she was supported by her mother and stepfather as she planned to participate in various beauty pageants. However, things were not easy for her as she had to leave the hotel job when the schedule of the pre-pageant activities continued for months.
Chelsea Manalo said it was hard to handle the expenses since she had to travel from Bulcan to Metro Manila every day to participate in the activities. She further stated:
"There was a time when I had to resort to buying cheap clothes online, mainly on Facebook, because I had run out of clothes to wear."
She initially participated in various competitions until she turned 18 and entered the race to win Miss World Philippines in 2017. During her conversation with PeopleAsia, Chelsea revealed that she had to face criticism at the time since people were not prepared to see a woman of color participating in a beauty pageant.
Although she did not emerge as the winner, Chelsea Manalo reached the Top 15. However, she won the title of Miss Universe Philippines this year. Apart from that, she keeps in touch with everyone through Instagram, where she has accumulated more than 300,000 followers.