The annual Miss Universe Philippines contest was held on May 22. Out of 53 of the most eligible beauty queens in the country, one was crowned the overall winner: Chelsea Manalo.
She is the first half-Black, half-Filipino to win the title of Miss Universe Philippines.
Learn more about her below!
1. Where is she from?
First up, Chelsea proudly represents her city of Meycauayan, Bulacan which is found in the Northern end of the Philippines, Luzon.
2. What is her background?
She was born on October 14, 1999 to an American father and a Filipino mother, Contessa Manalo, who raised her after the former passed away.
3. Where did she study and work?
Chelsea is a graduate of Tourism Management from De La Salle University. Ever since she was 14 years old, she has balanced her studies with various modeling jobs. She worked with print magazines, fashion designers, commercial companies, and more.
4. What is her advocacy?
All pageant queens champion a specific advocacy. For Chelsea, this is none other than youth empowerment, particularly centering on education and the youth in indigenous sectors.
She also advocates for body positivity as someone who was a victim of bullying due to her darker skin and thicker hair.
My self confidence became poor and I started to become indifferent, but I did not let this shed my own light.
— Chelsea Manalo
Chelsea Manalo will represent the Philippines in the upcoming Miss Universe pageant in Mexico.
Source: ABS-CBN
