Despite not winning the Miss Universe crown, Chelsea Manalo made her mark at the 2024 Miss Universe pageant, held in Mexico, by being named Miss Universe Asia 2024. Alongside her, three other continental queens were crowned: Chidimma Adetshina for Africa & Oceania, Matilda Wirtavuori for Europe & the Middle East, and Tatiana Calmell for the Americas. This recognition solidified Manalo’s strong performance, even as she fell short of making the Top 12.
A Special Bond with Tatiana Calmell
One of the highlights of Manalo's Miss Universe experience was her friendship with Tatiana Calmell, who represented Peru in the Americas. The two contestants shared a close bond throughout the competition, even rooming together. Manalo expressed her happiness at the shared accomplishment: "We were always saying that we will still be together until the end, and here we are. We're alphabetically together, we're roommates, and now Miss Universe continental queens."
Philippines Continues Strong Streak at Miss Universe
Although Manalo did not reach the Top 12, her inclusion in the Top 30 extended the Philippines' streak of making the first cut, following Michelle Dee’s Top 10 finish in 2023. The Philippines continues to be a strong contender in Miss Universe, with a legacy of past titleholders like Catriona Gray (2018), Pia Wurtzbach (2015), Margie Moran (1973), and Gloria Diaz (1969). As Miss Universe Asia 2024, Manalo’s achievement is another step toward the Philippines’ ongoing pursuit of a fifth Miss Universe crown.
