Miss Universe Philippines Chelsea Manalo is all about accepting the results with grace and moving forward. The 25-year-old Filipina beauty queen had expressed her post-Miss Universe 2024 feels, right after the announcement of the Top 30 finalists on November 16, 2024, in Mexico.
ICYMI, Chelsea fell short and didn't make it to the Top 12 round. Talking to ABS-CBN journalist Dyan Castillejo, Chelsea conveyed how happy she was just to make it to the global competition. "I'm so happy I get to make it here in Miss Universe. Never in my wildest dreams, [did I think[ I'll be able to do so. I was just that little girl hoping I'd be waving in front of the Miss Universe stage, and I did," she said in their short interview backstage.
And although it's still something the whole country might be sad about today, Chelsea assured that she did her best and she's just about to create more shining moments in her career. She told Dyan, "I did my best. I was with so many powerful women here. I know that with or without a crown, you still win. As what I have said, there are full of galaxy of stars in here, but we are just about to shine."
ALSO READ: Chelsea Manalo Ends Her Miss Universe 2024 Journey And Unveils The Final Gown She Would've Worn
Chelsea Manalo's message to Filipinos
Chelsea, of course, did not forget to thank the Filipinos who have been supportive of her throughout her whole Miss Universe journey. "It was such a journey... Maraming maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat. Sa supporting ibinigay niyo sa akin, sa tiwalang ibinigay niyo sa akin. Nilaban ko kayo. Tuloy tayong lalaban," she warmly expressed.
Chelsea continued that despite the results, the whole journey in Mexico is still worth a celebration. "That's how Filipinos are. We are so much more than who we are. We are very powerful inside our heart, than how we are physically. We did the best that we can and I know that we are always going to be the best of representation in the Philippines. Hindi ako makapaghintay na makauwi to celebrate with you guys."
What's next for Chelsea Manalo?
Hailing from Bulacan, Chelsea won the Miss Universe Philippines 2024 in May 2024, where she bested 52 other candidates from across the country. Now that her biggest break yet as a beauty queen has come to an end, she's planning to spend some quality time with her family.
Other than that, Chelsea remains a normal girl who's also thrilled about the thought of going home after a long time working in a foreign country. ICYDK, Chelsea spent weeks in Mexico for her Miss Universe 2024 preparation. "I'm so excited to go back home. I'm so excited to visit my bed, to sleep na, to eat Filipino food," Chelsea added in her conversation with Dyan.
We can't wait to welcome you back, Chelsea! Thank you for your hard work!
