Philippines, it looks like we have our very own Princess Tiana in our Miss Universe Philippines 2024 bet, Chelsea Manalo! And she's asking us to once again display the spirit of bayanihan by voting for her at the upcoming Miss Universe 2024 pageant in Mexico.
In her latest photos shot by Seven Barretto, the 25-year-old beauty embodied the Disney Princess in a Carl Arcusa gown. Taking to Instagram, the Bulakenya queen wrote, "the journey has been magical and with your support, we can make dreams come true. Don't forget to cast your votes and help me reach for the crown," as she urged everyone to vote for her in the Miss Universe app and for Voice for Change, which Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee took home in last year's competition.
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If the green gown seems familiar, that's because Chelsea also donned a similar colored gown by Manny Halasan during her send-off ceremony held on October 10.
Chelsea has since arrived in Los Angeles, California, prior to the start of the Miss Universe 2024 pageant in host country, Mexico. This year's edition will crown its new queen on November 17.
Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Manalo's Advocacy
In an Instagram post made by Miss Universe Philippines, they placed the spotlight on Chelsea's advocacy, which is meant "for the families of migrant workers," saying that it is "both timely and essential," as the Philippine bet champions for the welfare of the children of OFWs left in the Philippines.
For Chelsea, nobody exemplies the strength of our nation more than our overseas Filipino workers, whom she calls our modern day heroes in her powerful Voice for Change entry. This advocacy is personal to Chelsea as she comes from a family of migrant workers. In her video, Chelsea narrates how her father was a seaman for 10 years, allowing her to see firsthand the sacrifices made by her parents in order to provide a better life for their family.
"With a parent or two, flying abroad for work, come the stories of the children growing up in unique family situations." A reality Chelsea also openly shared was that she had to navigate being left with her mother as her father worked abroad. While social media helps children connect with their parents abroad, Chelsea recognizes that "there are still unfortunate instances where children might feel abandoned and or neglected." She notes that these can also affect children's education, mental health, and relationship with other people.
How Chelsea is carrying out her advocacy
As our Miss Universe Philippines, Chelsea has made it her mission to show the children that however challenging the realities of their family lives may be, it "shouldn't hinder them from realizing their fullest potential." To carry on her mission, Chelsea has visited schools wherein she talked about emotional resilieince, staying connected, and seeking support.
In her school visits, she has also tackled the programs offered by the Department of Migrant Workers and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration that vary from educational scholarships, mental health services, community support groups, and livelihood training programs.
