Filipino American makes history as the new Miss Philippines Universe

MISS UNIVERSE

Chelsea Manalo was named Miss Philippines Universe.

Filipino American Chelsea Anne Manalo made history by becoming the first Black woman to be crowned Miss Universe Philippines on May 22.

“As a woman of color, I have always faced challenges in my life. I was told that beauty has standards, actually,” she answeered a question in the final stage of the contest. She added  that she was taught to “believe in my mother, to always believe in yourself, uphold the vows that you have.”

“Because of these, I am already influencing a lot of women who are facing me right now,” she said, gazing out to the audience.

Representing the province of Bulacan where she was born and raised, the 24-year old model was raised by her mother and stepfather after the death of her African American father.

"I grew up having insecurities as I was always bullied because of my skin and my hair type,” she told Essence, crediting her friends and family for helping her “realize that I am beautiful in my own extraordinary way.”

Manalo's selection was seen as significant for shattering traditional beauty standards in the Philippines too often defined by European features.  

“I am more than a reflection of a woman who is very humble of having humble beginnings. And a sash that is really close to my heart because it reminds me of who I am, of the Philippines, of who we are.” she said. “And this will only transpire me to be more radiant because I am a woman of color but I am also a transformational woman that can really represent who we are as Filipinos.”

Manalo will represent the Philippines in the MIss Universe contest that will be held in Mexico in September.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news and views from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X or at the blog Views From the Edge.