Chelsea Manalo on why joining Miss Universe matters

The Philippines' Chelsea Manalo celebrated her groundbreaking achievement as the first Filipina with darker skin to wear the Miss Universe Philippines crown ahead of the finals night.

In a recent Instagram post, the 25-year-old beauty queen who represented Bulacan shared photos of herself in a skintone swimsuit and a cover-up, emphasizing the importance of "diversity, resilience, and self-acceptance."

"To be the first woman with darker skin to wear the Miss Universe Philippines crown is more than a personal achievement—it’s a celebration of diversity, resilience, and self-acceptance," she started.

Chelsea said there wasn't much representation of women like her in pageants, but she has learned that beauty "isn’t defined by a single shade, shape, or standard."

"It lives within the authenticity we bring to the world, the courage to embrace ourselves fully, and the belief that we are enough, exactly as we are," she continued.

Chelsea said that she is dedicating the crown to "every person who has felt unseen, unheard, or underestimated."

"May my journey remind you that our uniqueness is our power, and self-love is our foundation."

"To anyone who has ever doubted the beauty within them—keep pushing forward. Know that you, too, have the strength to break boundaries, to redefine beauty, and to inspire others along the way. Let’s continue to build a world where all shades, all voices, and all dreams are celebrated."

Chelsea is vying for the Philippines' fifth Miss Universe title after Catriona Gray (2018), Pia Wurtzbach (2015), Margie Moran (1973), and Gloria Diaz (1969).

The 73rd Miss Universe competition will be held in Mexico on Nov. 16. The live telecast of the event will be aired on ABS-CBN's Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, Metro Channel, and iWantTFC on Nov. 17.