Top Spanish language publication HOLA! and popular pageant site Missisology both named the Philippines' candidate Chelsea Manalo a "top contestant" to win the next Miss Universe title, placing her side by side with the Latina beauties.

"Meet the top contestants!" HOLA! said in one of its latest articles. 

"On social media, the representatives from Colombia, Chile, Peru, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Ecuador, Honduras, the Philippines, the Dominican Republic, and the United States are among the favorites to take the crown and succeed Sheynnis Palacios, who will pass the sash to the winner in a celebratory atmosphere," the HOLA! news item stated.

Missosology's Final Hot Picks for Miss Universe placed Chelsea in the Top 10, with Top 1 going to Miss Thailand Suchata Chuangsri and Top 2 to Miss Denmark, Victoria Kjær Theilvig.

Introducing Chelsea, HOLA! cited the fact that she is "also a favorite of iconic supermodel Tyra Banks."

The other top candidates named by HOLA! were Miss Colombia Daniela Toloza, Miss Chile Emilia Dides, Miss Peru Tatiana Calmell, Miss Puerto Rico Jennifer Colon, Miss Dominican Republic Celinee Santos, Miss United States Alma Cooper, Miss Venezuela Ileana Marquez Pedroza, Miss Honduras Stephanie Cam, Miss Ecuador Mara Topic, and Miss Mexico Maria Fernanda Beltran.

Earlier, the Philippines scored a big win in the pageant with the "Best Host Tour Country" award given by the Miss Universe Organization during the preliminary competition. It was accepted by MUPH president Jonas Gaffud.

In its Facebook page, MUPH said the award was "an unexpected yet welcome feather in the cap of the organization that rolled out the red carpet and led the most touching and heartwarming welcome for Miss Universe 2023 Sheynnis Palacios during her visit to the Philippines."

Telecast live on Nov. 17 (Sunday), 10 am Philippine time, the 73rd Miss Universe pageant will have a distinguished panel of judges which includes social media star Lele Pons, Colombian singer Fariana, Telemundo host Jéssica Carrillo, music producer Emilio Estefan, Brazilian artist Romero Britto, fashion icon Eva Cavalli, Miss Universe 1978 Margaret Gardiner, and renowned Filipino designer Michael Cinco.