Filipino-American Chelsea Anne Manalo from Meycauayan, Bulacan, made history as the first black Filipina to be crowned Miss Universe Philippines. She bested 52 other contestants during the coronation night held at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay on Wednesday.
Manalo, a 25-year-old Tourism graduate and print ad model, previously held the titles of Global Asian Model Philippines 2018 and Top 15 in Miss World Philippines 2017. She excelled in the Jojo Bragais runway challenge and will represent the Philippines at the 73rd Miss Universe pageant in Mexico.
During the Top 5 Q&A round, Manalo shared, “As a woman of color, I have always faced challenges in my life. I was told that beauty has high standards. But I always believed in my mother’s advice to believe in myself and uphold my values. Because of this, I am already influencing many in the world today. As a transformational woman, I have here 52 other delegates who have helped me become who I am. Thank you.”
Stacey Daniella Gabriel was named 1st runner-up, while Maria Ahtisa Manalo finished as 2nd runner-up. Tarah Mae Valencia and Christi McGarry were named 3rd and 4th runners-up, respectively.
Hosts Alden Richards, Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Gabriel, and Jeannie Mai, with Tim Yap and Gabbi Garcia as correspondents, made the show lively and exciting.
The Top 10, aided by live online voting from fans as the 11th judge, also included Kris Tiffany Janson, Alexie Brooks, Victoria Vincent, Cyrille Payumo, and Anita Rose Gomez. They impressed in the casual interview and evening gown competition, the latter featuring a special performance by popular Thai actor Win Metawin.
Drag performer Marina Summer opened the show before the Top 20 delegates were announced, including winners of fan-voted challenges: Maica Cabling Martinez (Bingo Plus fan vote), Alexie Brooks (Up Close and Personal challenge), Angel Tambal (Runway Challenge), and Patricia Bianca Tapia (Swimsuit Challenge).
The Top 20 also included Tamara Ocier, Christina Chalk, Victoria Vincent, Kayla Carter, Alexandra Mae Rosales, Anita Rose Gomez, Raven Doctor, Kymberlee Street, and Selena Antonio Reyes, who impressed in daring beachwear during the swimsuit competition set to the OPM sound of Lola Amour.
Miss Universe Philippines 2013 Ariella Arida and Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Beatrice Luigi Gomez, along with eight other personalities, judged the event.
Four additional titles were announced at the a separate program after the coronation. Miss Eco Philippines went to Brooks, Miss Charm Philippines was given to Payumo, Miss Cosmo Philippines was awarded to Manalo, and Miss Supra Philippines title went to Valencia.