The Miss Universe fever is on with country bet Chelsea Manalo set to join 120-plus delegates of the pageant’s 73rd edition in Mexico City.
Filipino fans eagerly await to see how the country’s first-ever Filipino-Black American representative will make an impact on the Miss Universe stage. They have one question in mind: “Is Miss Universe ready to crown another Black woman after 2019’s Zozibini Tunzi?”
“I feel more than ready for Miss Universe, especially now seeing all of you here giving me support, and also with the whole MUPH organization behind me. What you saw during Miss Universe Philippines, I will do the same but on a higher level. Just wait and see what I have to bring to the competition,” Manalo enthused during her official sendoff held at the Hilton Manila.
Manalo said she would continue being an inspiration as a woman of color, citing the importance of hearing the stories of other people.
“The story that you hear from other people, try to indulge in that, because if you hear that, then you have the voice. We already have that voice, and we are already impactful in so many ways. Hearing people can already be influential because you have that capacity to know what is happening in reality,” the proud Bulakeña stressed.
The 25-year-old Manalo will compete on the Miss Universe stage alongside half-Filipinas Miss Universe Great Britain 2024 Christina Chalk and recently crowned Miss Universe New Zealand 2024 Victoria Velasquez Vincent, who both competed in Miss Universe Philippines 2024, as well as Miss Universe Bahrain 2024 Shereen Ahmed.
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Fil-Jordanian tops 11th Misters of Filipinas
RaÉd Al Zghayér, a 36-year-old Filipino-Jordanian, clinched the top title of Man of the World Philippines 2024 during the finals of the 11th Misters of Filipinas, held recently at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City. Al Zghayér was named Best in Barong.
Born and raised in Kuwait, Al Zghayér, who speaks different Arabic languages, studied Hotel Management and worked as a flight attendant. He took to pageantry as a stepping stone in pursuing his dream of becoming a Hollywood actor. He previously represented the Philippines in Mister Supranational 2022, where he finished in the top 20 semi-finalists.
Denver Argana of Muntinlupa City was named Mister Fitness Super Model World Philippines 2024. A freelance model and graduate of Hotel and Restaurant Management from Lyceum of Alabang, the 6-foot-2 Argana was adjudged Best in Swimwear.
Filipino-Italian Gian Antonio Guidecilli of Cebu won the title Top Model of the Universe Philippines 2024. Guidecilli graduated magna cum laude in Nursing at the University of San Carlos (USC), where he won Mr. USC Intramurals 2023. The half-brother of actor Matteo Guidicelli said that his modeling stint with B&B Models Cebu helped him overcome his shyness and gave him the confidence to compete in the pageant.
Alei Del Rosario from Las Piñas City took home the title Mister Celebrity International Philippines 2024. The 18-year-old BS Nursing student at Southville International School and Colleges was named Best in Formal Wear.
Miko Santos of Pampanga, a 19-year-old Financial Management student, was named Mister Teenager Universe Philippines 2024. Santos, who was Mister Ideal Man International Philippines 2023, comes from a poor family and wants to help impart the importance of education, especially to less fortunate Filipino youth.
Aian Abad Santos of Angeles City and Jose Angelo Camas of Laguna finished first and second runners-up, respectively.
Outgoing Misters of Filipinas 2023 kings passed on their respective titles: Man of the World 2024 first runner-up Kenneth Cabungcal, Mister Fitness Supermodel World 2024 first runner-up Godfrey Nikolai Murillo, Top Model of the Universe 2024 third runner-up Brent Dallman, Mister Celebrity International 2024 Top 15 Derrick Allen Lauchengco, and reigning Mister Teenager Universe 2024 Lloyd Figueras.
