MANILA, Philippines – Chelsea Manalo took her final walk at the Miss Universe Philippines 2025 coronation night on Friday, May 2, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Bulakenya proudly walked down the pageant’s runway for the last time, donning the Miss Universe Philippines crown before giving her speech.
“As I stand here today, my heart is filled with gratitude, reflection, and a little bit of a bittersweet emotion. This journey has been nothing short of extraordinary and I am honored to have held the title of Miss Universe Philippines 2024 for the past year. From the moment I was crowned, I knew this was more than just a title. It was a responsibility, an opportunity to inspire, and a chance to grow throughout,” she said.
Manalo thanked the people who supported her throughout her reign: her parents, makeup artist Seven Barretto, Q&A coach Atty. Ron Gamboa, designer Manny Halasan, Miss Universe Philippines executive vice president Voltaire Tayag, Jonas Gaffud, and of course, all the Filipinos.
“To my fellow delegates and to my continental queens, thank you for always reminding me that this is more than just a competition. It is about empowerment, unity, and growth,” she added.
The Bulacan beauty gave a sage piece of advice to the new titleholder: “You have to cherish every moment. It is not going to be easy, believe me, but this chance of a lifetime will shape you in ways you never imagined. So wear the crown with pride, and a heart full of purpose.”
Manalo represented Bulacan in the national pageant in May 2024 — the title being turned over to her by her predecessor, Makati’s Michelle Dee, who notched a Top 10 finish in Miss Universe 2023. She then represented the country in the international pageant in Mexico, where she finished in the Top 30 and was named the first-ever Miss Universe Asia.
In the global edition of Miss Universe, Manalo’s run was fueled by her longstanding advocacy of championing the rights of OFWs and their families.
She won the Best National Costume award for her “Hiraya” ensemble designed by Manny Halasan.
Manalo passed the Miss Universe Philippines title on to Quezon Province’s Ma. Ahtisa Manalo. – Rappler.com