Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Manalo opens up about being bullied for her appearance
The road to confidence was never easy for Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Manalo.
In the first episode of Empire Philippines’ IN HER SHOES, the beauty queen revealed her past struggles with being bullied for her looks.
“When I was little, kulot talaga [yung buhok ko], hindi ako nag-aayos pa, sobrang dark, petite na petite,” she said.
“Grabe, parang naalala ko iiyak ako everytime sa mom ko, uuwi ako sa bahay na umiiyak,” she added.
Manalo revealed that the other kids back then weren't as accustomed to the way she looked.
“Siyempre, hindi familiar yung mga ibang kids na ‘Bakit kaya unique siya’ o ‘Bakit kaya iba yung itsura niya?’” she said.
She then revealed that it was her parents who served as her source of support during those times,
“[My mom and dad told me] that hindi dahil ganyan yung itsura mo is pangit ka. We are all uniquely beautiful. baka iba lang yung nakikita nila sayo, that’s why, but deep inside your heart you know who you are and that is what only matters,” she said.
It was through this experience that she learned to deal with bashers and bullies.
“Hindi na ako naaapektuhan sa mga ganung statements… I am openly talking about it now, and I am here to give more inspiration to a lot of kids who are also facing the same [experience].”
During the Miss Universe Philippines 2024's Q&A portion, Manalo was asked how she could use her beauty and confidence to empower others.
“As a woman of color, I have always faced challenges in my life. I was told that beauty is... has standards, actually. But for me, I have listened to always believe in my mother, to always believe in yourself, uphold the vows that you have. Because of these, I am already influencing a lot of women who are facing me right now,” she answered.
Manalo was crowned Miss Universe Philippines on May 22 and will go on to represent the country in the upcoming Miss Universe 2024 pageant to be held in Mexico. She made history as the first Filipina of African descent to win the crown.