We're all brokenhearted today as Chelsea Manalo bids goodbye to the Miss Universe 2024 competition. Held on November 16, 2024, in Mexico, the 25-year-old Filipina beauty queen ended her Miss Universe journey after making it to the Top 30 candidates.
Out of 126 Miss Universe candidates this year (the largest number of candidates in Miss U history!), Chelsea successfully reached the Top 30. She was able to flaunt her flawless and jaw-dropping pasarela or her runway walk during the swimsuit competition. Chelsea was such a sight to see in the competition!
Moments after she bid goodbye, Chelsea posted snaps of the gown she and her team prepared for the pageant. It was a bedazzled low-cut mermaid gown, called "tiffany gown," designed by Filipino designer Manny Halasan.
In the caption, Chelsea included the short story behind the design, which was told by Manny himself. It read, "This Tiffany gown shows modern glamour meets timeless grace. A statement that our Queen is ready to be SEEN and will make her MARK."
The gown was also detailed with ostrich feathers which were meant to highlight a strong, subtle, and remarkable aura from Chelsea. "She comes in with a soft armor covered in Ostrich Feathers ready to unleash what she is authentically made of.... simple yet strong, subtle but remarkable. Every step, every turn, and every air that breathes into this gown is magic that cannot be ignored. The Queen has arrived," the caption read.
Chelsea Manalo's Miss Universe 2024 run
As we all know, the competition was indeed tougher than it looked. Despite everything, Chelsea was one confident and persistent beauty queen throughout her preparations for the pageant.
At the official start of her Miss Universe preparations, Chelsea made a bold statement on Instagram, expressing her determination to win no matter what people think. She highlighted how she was labeled as the "dark horse."
She wrote, "Labels may say 'dark horse,' but my victory will be defined by my authenticity and determination. Victory is mine for the taking." ICYDK, the 25-year-old from Bulacan bagged the Miss Universe Philippines 2024 crown last May 2024 by besting 52 other candidates.
Since then, Chelsea has been working nonstop toward the crown. Along with that, she has forwarded calls to amplify the voices of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) as part of her advocacy for the competition. Hailing from Bulacan, Chelsea grew up in a family led by her father who worked as a seaman for several years. Hence, her advocacy is something that is really close to her heart.
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Miss Universe 2024 Finalists
As of writing, the top 5 finalists have been announced. Included are Miss Nigeria Chidimma Adetshina, Miss Mexico Maria Fernanda Beltran, Miss Denmark, Victoria Kjaer, Miss Thailand Suchata Chuangsri, and Miss Venezuela, Ileana Marquez.
Can't wait to see the new queen of the universe this year!
