Chelsea Manalo is finally back in Manila. The Miss Universe Asia 2024 titleholder was welcomed with warmth by our kababayans, and of course, some questions about her thoughts on her new title.
Upon arriving in Manila, Chelsea stood in front of the press, ready to give a glimpse of what it's been like for her since the Miss Universe 2024 coronation night on November 16, held in Mexico City. When asked if Chelsea ever had a hunch or feeling that she was about to get the Miss Universe Asia title, she truthfully responded with a yes.
In a video uploaded by ABS-CBN reporter Dyan Castillejo, Chelsea affirmed that she felt the Miss Universe organization's positive feedback towards her prior to the coronation night. "I think I had that feeling because the Philippines is really strong this year eh. Of course, we made history eh. Here in the Miss Universe Philippines, I was making history."
She continued, "So when I went there, I was working really well with the organization––showing them my authentic side, my personality, and they really liked it."
Chelsea even shared that she sang "A Whole New World" to one of the judges during the closed pre-interviews. "I heard. In the closer interview, they really liked my personality. Kasi each and every seat kasi doon, iba-iba 'yung judge. And then I remember, I told myself, in every seat I have to show my best personality."
The beauty queen concluded that thinking that her interviews really went well and that the judges have adored her personality, then it must be the reason for earning the Miss Universe Asia crown. "'Yun, the personality siguro, they saw it. If they really liked it, then I guess, that's the reason why we have Miss Universe Asia now," Chelsea declared.
ICYDK, Chelsea is the first-ever Miss Universe Asia. It was only in 2024 that the Miss Universe Organization introduced the concept of "continental queens." And so, even if Chelsea didn't win the Miss Universe title—or was a runner-up—the 25-year-old beauty queen is still set to travel the world with the MU organization as part of her title's role.
What's next for Miss Universe Asia 2024 Chelsea Manalo?
Speaking of her title's role, it's not entirely clear what the specific roles the continental queens have––well, except for 1) representing their continents in the organization's social projects, and 2) traveling to different countries with Miss Universe 2024 Victoria Theilvig.
That's something that Chelsea confirmed during the mentioned short interview. "To work with the organizations, with the charities, with the social projects. And at the same time, we will be traveling as well with the Miss Universe Miss Denmark Victoria. Siguro we will be going around Asia first and then next year na, May, I know I have a Europe tour. [...] I don't know, wala pa kaming full schedule, there's no final details yet but if ever there is I know that we will be working really well with the organization," Chelsea disclosed.
In an Instagram Story, Chelsea also expressed her excitement over her new role. "I still feel the same feeling when winning MU Philippines, so happy and blessed. And to represent my country and the whole Asia with such title and platform this is an honor I'll forever treasure. Winning won't happen once, it is when you are happy and content and when you start to be an influence to so many. I'm excited for this!"
