Ms. Universe PH Chelsea Manalo's Mom Recalls Daughter's Journey

Chelsea Anne Manalo of Bulacan is Miss Universe Philippines 2024.

The beauty queen revealed that she first thought of her parents when she was declared the winner. "I knew this wasn't just my dream, but theirs too," she shared with ABS-CBN News.

She continued, "I've always dreamt of seeing myself in the mirror, wearing that sash and crown. So, when they announced my province, I was speechless."

Chelsea bested 52 other candidates during the much-awaited coronation night held at the Mall of Asia Arena last Wednesday. She will represent the Philippines at the upcoming Miss Universe pageant in Mexico.

The 24-year-old model took to Instagram to express her gratitude to her team and supporters, more importantly, her parents.

She wrote, "Mom and Dad, you both served as my pillar of strength and inspiration. I never stumbled as I envisioned myself walking with you. I was calm because I imagined you were holding my hands. Every word I spoke came from the genuine heart you both nurtured. Every step I made on the stage, led us to achieving the crown we all dreamed of. You, both, deserve my eternal gratitude."

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Why Ms. Universe PH Chelsea Manalo's Mother Is a Huge Part of Her Win

Chelsea's mother, Contessa Manalo, was also overjoyed by her daughter's win. When asked about how she was feeling after the coronation night, she couldn't help but shed tears. "Sobrang saya po." she told reporter Dyan Castillejo. "Matagal na po [itong] pangarap ng anak ko, natupad din."

Contessa and her husband have been supportive of Chelsea's pageant journey. Case in point: they played the roles of personal assistant, stylist, and even makeup artist for their daughter.

Contessa revealed, "The whole time po, kami lang po ang kasama niya, ako at ang asawa ko. Kami lang po 'yung umalalay sa anak ko. 'Yun po 'yung gusto niya, pangarap niya. Sinuportahan po namin siya hanggang sa [nanalo na siya]."

"Nagfflashback lahat ng hirap, 'yung pangarap naming mag-ina. Sinusuportahan ko ang anak ko sa lahat ng gusto niya, sa lahat ng pangarap niya," the proud mom reiterated.

Contessa also shared how Chelsea faced bullying as a child for her skin color, but she constantly reminded her daughter of her beauty. She said, "Noong bata po siya, nabu-bully siya and ako 'yung nage-encourage sa kanya na, 'anak, maganda ka'."

She then expressed how much she loves Chelsea and how proud she is that her child fulfilled her ultimate dream. "[Kaya] anak, deserve mo [ang pagkapanalo mo]. Ito na ang pangarap mo," was her message.

Chelsea was born to a Filipina mother and a Black-American father, who passed away in recent years. She was raised by her mom and stepfather in their hometown in Meycauayan City, Bulacan. 

Read here for tips on achieving between encouraging your kid's dreams and making sure they don't compromise their well-being.