Chelsea Manalo on bagging Miss Universe Asia 2024 title: ‘It was a surprise’

Chelsea Manalo looked back on her Miss Universe journey as she talked about her Miss Universe Asia win and her Top 30 finish at the 2024 tilt.

In a new interview with journalist Dyan Castillejo, the 25-year-old beauty queen shared that being named as one of the four continental queens at the recently concluded pageant “was a surprise.” 

“It was a surprise. They took us [to] a room, then that’s when they announced to us that we have been selected to be the Miss Continental queens,” she recalled. (The four continental queens are among the latest additions in the pageant’s newly launched format.)

She added that while they have not set schedules yet, they are set to travel to different countries alongside Miss Universe 2024 Victoria Kjaer Theilvig to work on various initiatives.

Manalo concluded her journey to the Miss Universe crown in the Top 30. Even though she didn't manage to advance to the Top 12, the Pinay beauty queen said she didn't feel any disappointment over it.

“Honestly, I didn’t feel disappointed—I felt so proud of what I did," she opened up. "I know I did my best, I know I made the whole Filipino [community] proud because that was a hundred and twenty-plus girls. To make it to the Top 30 is already a privilege.” 

She also shared how her Miss U stint improved her as an individual.

“’Yung growth as a person, mas nakita ko na mas matapang na siya, mas hindi na siya natatakot sa kahit anong challenges that would come her way,” Manalo said.

“It’s such an adrenaline, hindi ko in-expect na ganun pala siya kabilis,” she added. “It was fun, I really did enjoy my time here [in Mexico].” 

Manalo said she has no definite plans yet after Miss Universe, but in the meantime, she's looking forward to spending more time with her family in Los Angeles. She added that she’s also interested in joining showbiz in the future.

The Miss Universe 2024 coronation night was held on Nov. 17 (Philippine time). Theilvig was crowned as Miss Universe, making her the first Danish woman to win the prestigious crown. It also marked the first time since 1957 that Denmark has landed in the Top 5 of the competition.