The Miss Universe 2024 competition in Mexico has already ended with Ms. Denmark, Victoria Kjær Theilvig emerging as the 73rd edition's queen against over 120 candidates. Victoria is the first Miss Universe from her country and is also the first queen to don Jewelmer's Light of Infinity crown. It's been a while since the finals night on November 17, but the post-competition surprises keep on coming. Among the pleasant news was the announcement of the new continental queens after the competition had ended. Our very own Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Manalo was hailed as the first-ever Miss Universe Asia. But, that's not the only award Chelsea's bringing home with her to the Philippines. The Bulakenya beauty also won the Best in National Costume Award.
READ MORE: MUPH Chelsea Manalo's National Costume Represents Different Religions Around The Philippines
Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Manalo is the winner of the Best in National Costume Award
It's the second year in a row that Miss Philippines took home the Best in National Costume award from the Miss Universe competition. In 2023, Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee won best in national costume wearing a Michael Barassi creation. And in 2024, Chelsea Manalo kept the streak alive with her Hiraya costume by Bulacan-based designer Manny Halasan.
The Miss Universe Philippines organization took to Instagram to share the wonderful news of Chelsea's win. The Best in National costume award is decided through online voting. In their post, the organization wrote, "The Philippines IS the winner in the National Costume Competition of the 73rd Miss Universe competition. Congratulations also to all the talented artists and artisans behind the jaw-dropping masterpiece, 'Hiraya.'" The Miss Universe Philippines also thanked everyone who helped vote for the Philippines to win first place.
Chelsea immediately commented on the post writing, "#PanaloSiManalo."
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Chelsea Manalo's Hiraya costume at Miss Universe 2024
Manny Halasan, who was also the brains to many of Chelsea's spectular Miss Universe fits (including her preliminary and finals gowns) made sure to reflect the relationship between the Philippines and this edition's host country through Chelsea's national costume. The Hiraya is a heavily researched masterpiece that blends together history and religion. The intricacies of the costume feature a headpiece inspired by the Galleon Trade and an image of Our Lady of Antipolo.
In a previous post, Chelsea explained the meaning behind the piece. "Hiraya is a vision of what will become. It is clear in your mind, and it speaks truthfully in your heart. It is a vision of what and how things are in the future. Believing in once was a dream and aspiration to being able to touch and live it into reality."
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Manny also explained, "Faith can navigate us through life. No matter what religion we believe in. If we pray for something, devote and give our faith and work for it, in God's perfect time everything is possible. Despite all the hardships, chaos, roadblocks and redirection that we go through, believe that there is hope and Divine guidance from a Higher Being."
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Congratulations, Chelsea and Manny! You make us all proud!
