Chelsea Manalo says ‘stars are aligning’ after Miss Universe interviews

MEXICO CITY — Miss Universe Philippines Chelsea Manalo is loving every bit of her Miss Universe 2024 journey in Mexico, including the closed-door interviews held Wednesday (Manila time).

Manalo was all-smiles during an exclusive interview where she expressed her satisfaction on her performance after the closed-door interviews with the selection committee.

“Enjoy ‘yung laban,” she said. “I’m seeing the stars aligning.”

“In a galaxy full of stars, it does shine. Pero ‘yung pinakamaliit na star, that is the star that will shine the most,” Manalo added.

When asked about her strategy for the rest of the pageant, the Philippine bet said she will be putting a lot of importance on her happiness and wellbeing.

“To have a little bit more rest, to be more myself. I think kasi kung enjoy ka lang, happy ka naman, magre-reflect naman ‘yan until finals,” said the Bulacan beauty.

Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Manalo. Photo from Manalo's Instagram accountThe girls’ schedules have been packed with back-to-back photoshoots and tours as they bond with one another and immerse themselves in Mexican culture.

“Two weeks na and I have been so happy, so excited every single day,” Manalo shared.

“The moment that I got in here we have been doing so many activities like photoshoots, fittings, we also had rehearsals. This day, it came to the right time to do the closed-door interviews for the preliminaries. Sobrang exciting.”

Despite not being directly asked why she should win the next Universe crown, Manalo believes that her performance was enough to show the selection committee that she deserves it.

“Mga tinanong nila sa akin more on personal questions about who you are. They want to know your personality more than having that crown.”

“I think it’s more than enough for them to know the power we have as Filipina women to finally win the next Miss Universe crown.

“Sobrang happy ko doon sa closed-door interview because they finally now know my personality, my character, and what my intentions are beyond the crown.”

The preliminaries will be held in the Arena CDMX in Mexico on Nov. 14, while the coronation night will be on Nov. 16 at the same venue.