Miss Philippines Chelsea Manalo wowed pageant fans during the preliminary competition of the 73rd Miss Universe Competition in Mexico City on Thursday night (Friday morning, Manila time).

On social media, Chelsea described her national costume as 'Hiraya Manawari," created by Bulakenyo designer Manny Halasan.

On Chelsea's national costume, Manny said: "This National Costume symbolizes the deep historical connection between the Philippines and Mexico, reflecting both countries’ shared belief that faith guides us through life. 

"The Galleon trade between Spain and Mexico introduced Christianity to the Philippines, with religious icons like Our Lady of Antipolo being brought from Mexico. 

"This costume also represents the introduction of Christianity and Islam in the Philippines, incorporating traditional fabrics like Inaul from Sultan Kudarat and Tongkaling ornaments from Mindanao, as well as Puni from Bulacan.

"Masterfully crafted and deeply researched, the costume celebrates the harmonious coexistence of different faiths in the Philippines," wrote Manny on Instagram.

Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach congratulated Chelsea on her performance during the preliminaries.

"Ang sarap mong panoorin. Good luck, Chelsea. Keep smiling. Keep enjoying," Pia wrote in the comment section on Chelsea's Instagram.

Manny also created Chelsea's flowy blue evening gown for the evening gown competition. Aside from the national costume and evening gown, the girls paraded in swimsuits.

“This simple gown wanted to show that a little girl’s dreams can come true. To be able to walk on the stage as a Queen in Miss Universe and to show that faith, simplicity, and authenticity are key to having fun. She is graceful, she is calm, and she is enjoying every minute of it," said Manny on Chelsea's evening gown.

One hundred twenty-five contestants are vying for the title of 2024 Miss Universe.

The preliminary competition will help select the 30 contestants who will advance to the semis of the prestigious beauty pageant.

The Top 30 delegates will be announced during the 2024 Miss Universe finals on Saturday (Sunday morning, Manila time).

Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua is the reigning Miss Universe.