Philippine bet Chelsea Manalo showcased a national costume celebrating the country’s religious diversity during the Miss Universe 2024 preliminary competition held yesterday at Arena CDMX in Mexico City.
The costume paid tribute to both Muslim and Christian traditions, incorporating traditional fabrics and symbols, including an image of Our Lady of Antipolo and Mindanao-inspired details.
The gown, designed by Manny Halasan, highlighted traditional Filipino craftsmanship while celebrating the Tagalog concept of hiraya, meaning the power of imagination and aspiration. Crafted with Inaul fabric from Sultan Kudarat, the dress displayed intricate gold patterns, jewels, and traditional Tongkaling bells, reflecting the cultural heritage and spiritual symbols cherished by Filipino Muslims.
In a nod to her Christian roots, the gown’s back panel featured an exquisite image of Our Lady of Antipolo, also known as Our Lady of Good Voyage, adorned with gold and jewels. The design was complemented by a unique headpiece inspired by a galleon ship from the historic Galleon Trade, symbolizing resilience and the Filipino spirit of exploration and unity across different cultures and faiths.
Manalo, a native of Bulacan, also incorporated elements from her hometown. The gown was embellished with “puni” decorations crafted from coconut fronds, a hallmark of traditional Bulacan artisanship. She completed the look with a pair of blue and gold fans adorned with delicate pearls, embodying both elegance and cultural depth.
In the swimsuit segment, Manalo wore a radiant smile and embraced her natural beauty, letting her curly hair flow freely as she took to the stage in a purple swimsuit accented with a gold scarf.
Miss Universe will culminate in a coronation night on Nov. 17 at the Arena CDMX in Mexico City, where Manalo is competing against 124 other delegates from around the world.
