Several Bulakenyos welcomed home its beloved Reina La Bulakenya, the Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Anne Manalo, in a victory and homecoming parade at the Provincial Government of Bulacan (PGB) on Saturday, June 8.
Through a grand program, Manalo was greeted with cheers and applauses from her fellow Bulakenyos led by Governor Daniel R. Fernando and Vice Governor Alexis C. Castro with the Provincial History, Arts, Culture and Tourism Office headed by Dr. Eliseo Dela Cruz, and all department heads of the PGB.
She was honored with a trophy from the PGB for her victory in the Binibining Pilipinas pageant, where the Sangguniang Panlalawigan ng Bulacan bestowed upon her the highest recognition and greetings through Resolution No. 461-2024, presented by Castro during the program.
In his heartfelt message, Fernando poured out his overflowing support on behalf of the Bulakenyos, as Reina La Bulakenya prepares to take on the Miss Universe stage in Mexico and celebrate the representation of another Bulakenyo in the international platform.
“Sa iyo, Chelsea, maraming salamat sa karangalang ibinahagi mo sa iyong mga kababayan. On a personal note, salamat sa pagkakataong ang inyong Abang Lingkod ay maging bahagi ng iyong Miss Philippines- Universe journey. Ang buong Bulacan ay nagbubunyi sa iyong matamis na tagumpay. Hindi ka lamang isang reyna ng kagandahan; ikaw ay isang liwanag ng pag-asa at inspirasyon sa bawat kabataang Bulakenyo, at sa buong sambayanang Filipino (To you Chealsea, thank you so much for the honor you have shared with your countrymen. On a personal note, thank you for the opportunity you gave us to be a part of your Miss Philippines-Universe journey. The whole of Bulacan is celebrating your sweet victory. You are not just a beauty queen; you are a light of hope and inspiration to every Bulakenyo youth, and to the entire Filipino people)," the governor said.
During the queen’s speech, Manalo became emotional as she expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to her victory, notably her proud parents, Contessa Manalo and Randy Angeles, and Manny Halasan, the designer of her gown, for their unwavering support despite her considering to discontinue joining the Binibining Pilipinas pageant.
She also thanked all those who lent their helping hands throughout her pageant journey and personal life, extending her appreciation to all Filipinos, especially the Bulakenyos, for their consistent support, no matter how small the gestures were.
“We are our own heroes. So kayo pong lahat ay nakikita ko (I see all of you) as my own hero here supporting me. Your dreams and your time will come, and my time will come, and we’ll continue when I get to bring home the fifth crown for the Miss Universe 2024. Maraming salamat po sa opportunity na ito, (Thank you so much for this opportunity) I give it back to everyone here. My victory is also yours, maraming salamat po (thank you so much),” said the Reina La Bulakenya.
Meanwhile, the parade traversed the historic streets of the province from the Capitol Compound to the City of Malolos through Paseo Del Congreso which ended at the Malolos-Guiguinto Boundary Arch, allowing residents to catch a glimpse of their queen and cheer her on.