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Chelsea Manalo reflects on representing women of color as Miss Universe Philippines

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E. Kristhoff Cagape

<p>Chelsea Manalo took to social media as she penned a reflection on representing women of color as Miss Universe Philippines.</p><p>&quot;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,&quot; she wrote.</p><p>Chelsea recalled the lack of representation in the beauty pageant scene when she was growing up.</p><p>The beauty queen said: &quot;Growing up, I didn’t always see faces like mine in the world of beauty queens, but I 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.&quot; </p><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-16" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DCEfBJoSi-G/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fent-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A16%2C%22os%22%3A4955736.799999952%2C%22ls%22%3A1704637.3999999762%2C%22le%22%3A1704639.6999999285%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="879" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-16" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><p>Chelsea remarked that her Miss Universe Philippines title is dedicated to everyone who feels underrepresented.</p><p>&quot;This crown is not just for me, but for 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,&quot; she stated.</p><p>Chelsea went on: &quot;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. ✨🌍&quot;</p><p>Fans online were quick to react to Chelsea&#x27;s post.</p><p>&quot;We hear and see you, Chelsea. Crown or no crown, you are an inspirational young woman,&quot; one fan commented.</p><p>&quot;Your representation of our country adds so much beauty to the diversity in Philippine pageantry. This is your moment,&quot; another fan said.</p><p>Chelsea is currently in Mexico as the Philippine representative for this year&#x27;s Miss Universe pageant.</p><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-14" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DCHFGR7yb4D/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fent-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A14%2C%22os%22%3A4915749.799999952%2C%22ls%22%3A1704637.3999999762%2C%22le%22%3A1704639.6999999285%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="879" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-14" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><p>In a recent interview with <em>On Cue</em>, Chelsea remarked that she is &quot;9 out of 10 ready&quot; for the competition.</p><p>&quot;Siguro &#x27;yung one percent na lang talaga is leaving that to the Filipino people, the fans, the support. Because I know I have a lot,&quot; she said.</p><p>Chelsea added: &quot;If we can all come together, not just here in the Philippines but anywhere in the universe na mga Filipinos who will be there to support me and cheer for me in Mexico, then we will be at our 100 pa, not just 10%.&quot;</p><div><a href="https://push.abs-cbn.com/2024/11/7/miss-universe-2018-catriona-gray-shares-tips-for-chelsea-manalo-924" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong><u>READ: Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray shares tips for Chelsea Manalo</u></strong></a></div><p>&quot;I’m not really scared, honestly. That’s one thing I want you all to understand. I just want you all to trust in me. I’m not afraid to go where I want.&quot;</p><p>The 73rd Miss Universe preliminary and national costume competition will happen on November 14 at the Arena CDMX in Mexico. Then the coronation night will happen on November 16 at the same venue.</p>

<p>'Let’s continue to build a world where all shades, all voices, and all dreams are celebrated.' These were the words of Chelsea Manalo as she celebrated being a woman of color as Miss Universe Philippines. </p>

'Let’s continue to build a world where all shades, all voices, and all dreams are celebrated.' These were the words of Chelsea Manalo as she celebrated being a woman of color as Miss Universe Philippines.

Chelsea Manalo reflects on representing women of color as Miss Universe Philippines

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Chelsea Manalo reflects on representing women of color as Miss Universe Philippines

Toff C.

Published November 09, 2024 11:40 AM PHT

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Updated November 22, 2024 08:22 PM PHT

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