Newly-crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Manalo emerged as a dark horse in the fiercely competitive pageant, winning over 52 other delegates. Despite having a smaller following compared to well-known, veteran candidates, Manalo's perseverance and charm led her to victory.

In a media conference two days after the coronation night, Manalo reflected on her experiences and the challenges she faced during the journey, including almost quitting pageantry because of financial issues.

"I think most of the girls have that problem as well. I joined here as an independent woman. Everything that I had to go through, I laid it out on myself. I told my mom and my dad that I want to join this season of Miss Universe Philippines. So they did support me but because of this, I also had to risk quitting my job," the 24-year-old, who worked as a hotel staff, shared.

"My income was limited to a couple of amounts, which caused some issues with my team. I almost quit but thank God, there are people who pushed me to continue further," she revealed, adding that the local government of Bulacan eventually supported her financially.

"Four months [of competition] is a really long battle for us. We don't know where our resources would come from, everyone would have to risk something. But because of the support that I've been getting, it made me continue and now I'm here," she furthered.

It has been Manalo's dream to do pageants. She first entered the scene at 17, competing in Miss World Philippines 2017.

"I was a dreamer of beauty pageants, I love joining beauty pageants and I love seeing beauty queens as well. I always uphold the values that my parents have told me and I want to be that woman of representation as well," Manalo said.

A Filipino-American, she is noted as the first Black woman to have been selected to represent the country in Miss Universe. She aims to be a role model for women of color and aspiring beauty queens, encouraging them to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams despite societal standards.

"To every woman of color — any woman whose here to support me, I just want to say believe in yourself. If you really love pageantry, if you have a dream, go for it, take risks. It's not too late for you to try it out. Miss Universe Philippines actually opened up a lot of standards for every woman — there are married women here, there are mothers, there are also under the age of 18 because they have dreams, and anyone can get to it. I started young, I have a dream for it, and now I'm Miss Universe Philippines. I hope I can be that inspiration for them."

Despite the pressure that comes with the title, Manalo remains optimistic and excited about the opportunities ahead.

"I would say [it scares me] a little bit, but that's not in a negative way. I'm mostly excited. I've been saying this to my parents and to my team: I'm scared because I'm excited to always go out there, to talk and meet people. I now hold the crown and the sash and there's so much opportunity that will come my way and I'm so ready for it."

Looking ahead to the Miss Universe pageant in Mexico later this year, Manalo is bringing with her the lessons she learned from her journey.

"I learned from each woman from the competition, all 52 of them. No gender, no color, no status will ever hinder us from facing our dreams — be it to get a crown, be a leader or be a transformational woman. So when I get into that stage, I will always be reminded that you can be an empowered woman no matter who you are."

When asked why she should be crowned the fifth Miss Universe from the Philippines, Manalo responded with humility and determination saying, "I should be the next Miss Universe because I am not just a woman who wears a crown and a sash — it's more than that.

"[The] sash is really close to my heart because it reminds me of who I am, of the Philippines, of who we are. And this will only inspire me to be more radiant as I represent who we are as Filipinos," Manalo ended.

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