Jayvee Bernate 
Beauty, grace, elegance, and brains—these characteristics solidify Chelsea Anne Manalo’s position as the newly crowned Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH).
First gaining attention in 2017 as a Top 15 finalist in the Miss World Philippines pageant, Manalo’s journey has come full circle. Now, at 25, the Bulakenya has triumphed, winning the MUPH crown over 52 other aspirants during the coronation night held on May 22, 2024, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay, Philippines.
In the final Question and Answer portion, Manalo was asked, “You are beautiful and confident. How would you use these qualities to empower others?”
She responded: “As a woman of color, I’ve always faced challenges in my life. I was told that beauty has a standard, actually. But for me, I have listened to always believe in my mother, to always believe in yourself, uphold the vows that you have in yourself. Because of these, I am already influencing a lot of women who are facing me right now as a transformational woman. I have here 52 other delegates with me who helped me to become the woman I am. Thank you.”
Manalo is now set to represent the Philippines in the Miss Universe competition in Mexico this September.
On the other hand, runners-up from the competition were Miss Cainta – Stacey Gabriel, Miss Quezon Province – Ma. Ahtisa Manalo, Miss Baguio – Tarah Valencia, and Miss Taguig Christi Lynn McGarry as first to fourth runners-up respectively.
Additional titles were awarded to other contestants from the Top 10:
- Miss Supranational Philippines: Tarah Valencia
- Miss Eco Philippines: Alexie Brooks
- Miss Charm Philippines: Cyrille Payumo
- Miss Cosmo Philippines: Ma. Ahtisa Manalo
