MANILA Philippine – Chelsea Anne Manalo of Bulacan was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2024 during the pageant's coronation night on Wednesday. The event, which took place at the Mall of Asia Arena, extended into the early hours of Thursday, May 23.

Manalo triumphed over 52 other contestants of the Miss Universe Philippines and succeeded Makati's Michelle Dee, who concluded her journey in the Miss Universe 2023 in the Top 10.

She becomes the first black Filipino-American representative of the Philippines at Miss Universe which will be held this year in Mexico.

First runner-up goes to Stacey Daniella Gabriel of Cainta, while Maria Ahtisa Manalo of Quezon Province is 2nd runner-Up. Third is Justine Tarah Marie Valencia of Baguio, and Taguig's Christi Lynn McGarry is 4th runner-up.

During the Top 5 Question and Answer segment, Manalo was asked, "You are beautiful and confident. How would you use these qualities to empower others?"

The 25-year-old Filipino-American beauty answered, "As a woman of color, I've always faced challenges in my life. I was told that beauty has standards, but for me, I have listened and always believed in my mother. To always believe in yourself. Uphold the vows that you have in yourself. Because of these, I am already influencing a lot of women who are facing me right now. As a transformational woman, I have 52 other delegates here with me who helped me become the woman I am."

This year's competition marked the first time candidates were selected through local pageants under the Accredited Partners Program. The roster also includes candidates representing overseas Filipino communities, with no age restrictions for participation.

The coronation night was hosted by Alden Richards, Miss Universe 2022 R'Bonney Gabriel, and American TV personality Jeannie Mai with backstage updates and commentary from Gabbi Garcia and Tim Yap.

Special performances featured drag queen Marina Summers, OPM band Lola Amour, and Thai actor Win Metawin.

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