REYNA La Bulakenya Chelsea Manalo received a warm welcome in Bulacan on Saturday led by Gov. Daniel Fernando and Vice Gov. Alexis Castro.

A grand homecoming program was held outside the Provincial Capitol in Malolos City to honor and welcome the first Filipino of African descent to represent the country in the Miss Universe pageant slated in Mexico this year.

Manalo topped the local selection at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on May 22.

"It is with immense pride and great honor that we gather here today to celebrate the incredible achievements of a remarkable woman, the newly crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2024, our very own Miss Chelsea Anne Manalo," said Fernando in his opening speech.

Fernando said that Manalo's journey to this prestigious crown did not come easy. Although new in the eyes of many, her influence has long been felt not only in her hometown in Meycauayan but in the entire province of Bulacan as well.

"As an advocate for children's education, Chelsea has always supported initiatives for expanding educational opportunities for young people of low-income families. She has championed the welfare of the Dumagat Indigenous people of Norzagaray, Bulacan," Fernando said.

The governor said her journey is a story of an exceptionally beautiful Bulakenya, a strength that gives inspiration to many to embrace their unique beauty that should be enhanced and proud of the country.

Fernando expressed confidence that Manalo would be the country's fifth Miss Universe winner.

Manalo, meanwhile, expressed gratitude to Fernando and Castro, who supported her 100 percent since the beginning of her journey.

In her message, Manalo said that each person has their own challenges that must be hurdled.

"Your dreams and your time will come, and my time will come and will continue when I get to bring home the fifth crown of Miss Universe 2024," Manalo said.

For his part, Castro called for support and prayers for Manalo in the 2024 Miss Universe pageant.

He also noted that Filipino women are among the most beautiful in the world and cited as proof the four former Miss Universe winners: Gloria Diaz (1969), Margie Moran (1973), Pia Wurtzbach (2015) and Catriona Gray (2018).

The beauty queen's parents, relatives and friends were all present during the grand homecoming.

After the program, a victory parade was held, where Manalo boarded the Singkaban float adorned with bamboo sticks.

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