Social media users, celebrities react to Chelsea Manalo's Miss Universe 2024 journey

Philippines’ Chelsea Manalo ended her Miss Universe 2024 journey in the Top 30 during the coronation night in Mexico on Sunday, Nov. 17 (PH Time). The unexpected outcome triggered a wave of reactions on social media, with fans expressing their sentiments.

Despite the early exit, Manalo, hailing from Bulacan, proudly represented the Philippines on the international stage. She made it to the swimsuit round, stunning the audience in a handpicked violet two-piece swimsuit from the official Miss Universe collection, complemented by a gold mesh cape.

The pageant ultimately crowned Denmark's Victoria Thielvig as the new Miss Universe.

'You did well Chelsea'

Chelsea's fans rallied behind her with words of encouragement, praising her performance, regardless of the outcome.

"You did well, Chelsea! You made [the] Philippines and every Filipino proud. Thank you for raising our flag," one social media user noted. 

"[That] swimsuit performance alone should earn her a spot [in] the top 12!!!! Justice for Chelsea 'Tampisaw Walk' Manalo," another one noted. 

"Still the best pageant show for me, Miss [U]niverse 2018 set the standard, especially Catriona of the Philippines! You did well Chelsea Manalo!"

Meanwhile, others also aired their disappointments especially when the local pageant organizer revealed her supposed evening gown.

"Imagine the magic this would bring on stage," one user said. 

Another one said: "Chelsea's evening gown for Miss Universe was truly stunning, but unfortunately, it was not showcased on stage for the Universe to see."

"What could've been if she was in the Top 12?" a user asked. 

Alongside the heartfelt messages of support, social media was also filled with humorous reactions to the Philippines' early exit. Some of these posts referenced Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, one of the evening's backstage correspondents.

beh, postponed pahinga mo #Chel5ea #ManaloSaMexico #MissUniverse2024 #MissUniverse pic.twitter.com/88CWZCUw1J

— K I A N (@kianerrolm) November 17, 2024

'May agimat ang dugo natin'

Celebrities also expressed support and pride for Chelsea, thanking her for representing the nation with dignity, grace, and passion.

"May agimat ang dugo natin! Mahigpit na yakap Filipinas!! Ipinagmamalaki ka namin [Chelsea Manalo] You made us all proud," Miss universe 2023 Michelle Dee wrote on Instagram.

"Thanks Chelsea! Have a safe [flight] back home!" Its Showtime mainstay host, Vice Ganda said on X. 

During the preliminary competition, Chelsea wore a stunning Manny Halasan blue ball gown that made her look like a real-life princess. She took advantage of her bouffant skirt by doing an elegant twirl.

For her national costume, she wore an outfit inspired by Muslim Filipinos. The gown used the traditional fabric of the Inaul from the Province of Sultan Kudarat and was adorned with Tongkaling bells from Mindanao, which were believed to bring protection and blessings to the wearer.

On joining Miss Universe

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

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

"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."

If Chelsea had won the crown, she would be the fifth Pinay to win the coveted Miss Universe crown, following the wins of Catriona Gray (2018), Pia Wurtzbach (2015), Margie Moran (1973), and Gloria Diaz (1969).

Nonetheless, she made history as the first Filipina of African descent to win Miss Universe Philippines.