Anticipation builds as Chelsea Manalo aims for Miss Universe crown

Chelsea Manalo / CONTRIBUTED

MEXICO CITY — In less than 24 hours, Sheynnis Palacios will crown the next Miss Universe.

Could Chelsea Manalo make history as the first Filipino black beauty to win and secure the fifth title for the Philippines?

Prelim hosts Fil-Am R’Bonney Gabriel (left) and reigning Miss Universe Sheynnis Palacios. CONTRIBUTED

Inquirer.net USA spoke with some of her supporters during last night’s preliminary competition.

“It’s important for the Philippines to win the crown because many pageant fans around the world admire our Filipina beauties,” said designer Amiel Noble, who traveled from Los Angeles. “We are considered a powerhouse in beauty pageants, so maintaining our top ranking is crucial.”

Amiel Noble / CONTRIBUTED

The Filipino American designer, known for his exquisite barong and Filipiniana ternos, attended the pageant in Mexico to dress Miss Universe VP Olivia Quido and support Chelsea in person.

Monet Lu, a veteran producer of Filipino community events from Los Angeles, agreed. “A lot of people look up to us because we take our

Monet Lu / CONTRIBUTED

pageants seriously,” Lu said. “When we join competitions, we ensure our candidates are well-prepared, from walking and interviews to their national costume, swimsuit and evening gown.”

Chelsea’s performance during the preliminaries was praised by many, who said she excelled.

She wore a stunning costume inspired by Philippine religions—a gold dress with white sleeves, accented by a silver and gold headpiece, holding two fans inspired by the singkil dance. Her look was striking, with the image of the Virgin Mary on a blue train.

Chelsea Manalo / CONTRIBUTED

For Louie Heredia, a former OPM singer, Chelsea’s natural charm and inner beauty set her apart. “She has a good heart, and her beauty radiates from within,” said Heredia, a friend of Chelsea’s.

When asked about the pageant’s new rules allowing married women, mothers and transgender women to compete, Heredia expressed his traditional views. “I’m not really in favor of these new rules,” he said. “I’m old school, so I prefer the original rules. There are other contests for married women and LGBTQ+ pageants for transgender women.”

Chelsea Manalo with friend Louie Heredia / CONTRIBUTED

Meanwhile, on the red carpet before the prelim show, Inquirer.net USA caught up with Raul Rocha, the new president of Miss Universe. He expressed pride in hosting the biggest pageant in the world.

“I’m thrilled to be part of making history with 130 candidates and a venue accommodating over 20,000 people,” Rocha told Inquirer.net USA.

When asked for his favorite contestant, Rocha diplomatically replied, “I can’t choose one. They’re all amazing and highly competitive.”

Miss Universe new president Raul Rocha, a Mexican businessman, and Anne Jakrajutatip, owner of the Miss Universe pageant. CONTRIBUTED

Pageant judge Michael Cinco shared his excitement about judging for the first time.

“It was very exciting,” he said. “Meeting and interviewing all these women during the personal interviews was an absolute joy.”

Michael Cinco / CONTRIBUTED

In other news, Bahrain’s Miss Universe representative Shereen Ahmed, who is half Filipino, won the Voice for Change Silver Award. This initiative encourages delegates to create videos about social causes they care about, and Ahmed was among seven Silver winners.

Bahrain’s Shereen Ahmed, who is half Filipino, wins the Voice for Change silver award. CONTRIBUTED

Additionally, the Philippines was awarded Best Host Tour Country by the Miss Universe Organization during the preliminaries.

“True to our famed Filipino hospitality, this unexpected yet welcome recognition highlights the heartwarming welcome extended to Miss Universe 2023 Sheynnis Palacios during her visit to the Philippines,” stated Miss Universe Philippines on social media. The award was accepted by MUPH president Jonas Gaffud.