In the article"First Black Filipino woman crowned as Miss Universe Philippines" penned by Kathleen Magramo on May 25, Chelsea's triumph was not just celebrated on social media but also served as a beacon of hope, "shattering 'traditional beauty ideals that have long been held in the country."
Chelsea Manalo's triumph as Miss Universe Philippines 2024 makes it to CNN International
May 25, 2024 00:35 AM
At a glance
Although the 2024 Miss Universe Competition in Mexico is still a few months away, Chelsea Manalo's victory as the newly crowned Miss Universe Philippines has already gained international attention.
In the article "First Black Filipino woman crowned as Miss Universe Philippines" penned by Kathleen Magramo on May 25, Chelsea's triumph was not just celebrated on social media but also served as a beacon of hope, "shattering 'traditional beauty ideals that have long been held in the country."
CNN International is a popular and prestigious multinational news channel and website operating from Midtown Atlanta, Georgia. It was founded in 1980. It is rare for the international site to feature local beauty queens.
Manalo, 24, beat 52 other candidates for the prestigious crown during the finals held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on May 22.
During the finals, Manalo also edged three pageant veterans in the top 5. She proved that beauty is beyond skin color.
In the question-and-answer portion, Manalo was asked, "You are beautiful and confident. How would you use these qualities to empower others?"
"As a woman of color, I have always faced challenges in my life. I was told that beauty has standards, actually. But for me, I have listened and always believed in my mother to always believe in yourself and uphold the values that you have in yourself. Because of this, I am already influencing a lot of you facing me right now as a transformational woman. I have here 52 other delegates with me who have helped me be the woman that I am. Thank you."
Manalo, who began modeling at 14, described her own insecurities growing up in a YouTube video on Empire Philippines, which live-streamed the event.
“I grew up having insecurities as I was always bullied because of my skin and my hair type,” she said, crediting her friends and family for helping her “realize that I am beautiful in my own extraordinary way.”
The 2024 Miss Universe Competition will be held in Mexico in September.
So far, the Philippines has produced four Miss Universe: Gloria Diaz (1969), Margie Moran (1973), Pia Wurtzbach (2015), and Catriona Gray (2018).