A 24-year-old professional model from Bulacan bested 52 other lovely candidates to become the new Miss Universe Philippines 2024 in glittery ceremonies held at the Mall of Asia Arena.  

The Filipino-American beauty is the first woman of color to be proclaimed in the annual beauty competition and will represent the country in the Miss Universe pageant, which will be held in Mexico later this year.

Chelsea was a "dark horse" candidate, as she was not included in the top picks of pageant forecasters. She previously competed in Miss World Philippines 2017, where she landed in the Top 15. Her father was an American who died when she was young. The other winners of MUPH 2024 are:

Alexie Brooks of Iloilo - Miss Eco International Philippines 

Ma. Ahtisa Manalo of Quezon Province - Miss Cosmo Philippines 

Tarah Valencia of Baguio - Miss Supranational Philippines 

Cyrille Payumo of Pampanga  - Miss Charm Philippines 2025.

1st runner-up -  Stacey Gabriel (Cainta)

2nd runner-up - Ahtisa Manalo (Quezon Province)

3rd runner-up - Tarah Valencia (Baguio)

4th runner-up - Christi Lynn McGarry (Taguig)

Tagged by netizens as a look-alike of American supermodel Naomi Campbell, Chelsea was a vision in white as she strutted on the stage in an intricate gown and a feathery cape designed by Bulacan-based designer Manny Halasan. She was crowned by Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee.

In the Question-and-Answer portion, Chelsea was asked how she would use her qualities as a beautiful and confident woman to empower others.

She replied: "As a woman of color, I’ve always faced challenges in my life. I was told that beauty has standards, but for me, I have listened and always believed in my mother. 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 52 other delegates with me who helped me become the woman I am."

MUPH Grand Coronation Night was hosted by American TV personality Jeannie Mai, Miss Universe 2022 R'Bonney Gabriel, Alden Richards, Tim Yap, and Gabby Garcia.

Drag Queen Marina Summers led the program off to a rousing start by singing "AMAFILIPINA," her rendition of the hit song "Amakabogera." BINI and Thai actor Win Metawin were also performing.

Members of the MUPH 2024 Board of Judges were composed of Philippine Airlines President and Chief Operating Officer Stanley Ng, Sparkle GMA Vice President Joy Marcelo, AGC Power Holdings President Archie Carrasco, Kemans Chief Executive Officer Vina Yapjuangco, DiGi Plus Interactive Corp. Chairman Eusebio Tanco, Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Bea Gomez, Miss Universe Skincare Chief Financial Officer Jason Co, Aqua Boracay Chief Operating Officer Camille Co, Miss Universe Philippines 2013 Ariella Arida and Conti's Chief Executive Officer Crystal Jacinto. 

Fans were also designated as the 11th judges and were encouraged to vote for their favorite queen using the Miss Universe app.

During an interview on ABS-CBN, Chelsea thanked those who believed in her and supported her pageant journey.

"I feel so happy. Thank you so much to all those who believed in me. I love you, Mom; I love you, Dad. This is not just for me but for you. And all the people who supported me, I will do great. We will do good. I'm so excited to go to Mexico," the beauty queen said.