Chelsea Manalo is on historic campaign at this year’s Miss Universe

MANILA, Philippines — The win of Chelsea Manalo as this year’s Miss Universe Philippines was dubbed a surprise and historic by pageant enthusiasts and experts.

The beauty from Bulacan held her own in the presence of pageant veterans and frontrunners and has become the first Pinay of Afro-American descent to represent the country at the annual Miss Universe in Mexico.

Chelsea, who lived up to her surname, meaning “to win,” during the Miss U Phl final’s night, is also described by some as a breath of fresh air as compared to a bevy of mestiza and morena Pinay bets that have graced the Miss U stage.

It’s time for the country to send a representative of African-American descent, a welcome addition to the half-breed Filipinas with American, Australian, Arab, German, Indian, Italian and Scottish racial and ethnic roots. After all, the ancestors of this land are believed to be Austronesians and hill people.

In this day and age, diversity should be even more celebrated and embraced.

Although she was on the radar and expected to land in the Top 10, she worked her way slowly but surely and fervently with the aspiration to become a Filipina queen.

She showed her amiable personality in the introduction, the casual interview and the Top 5 question-and-answer segment. Chelsea appeared calm and collected and she paced herself to share her thoughts. She was there to express herself and not to impress.

Chelsea also had a captivating smile. She seemed to be there to challenge herself, breezing through the swimsuit and evening gown competitions.

Chelsea did reach the final round and was the last one standing.

She earned the rights to represent the country at the 2024 Miss Universe fair and square.

Chelsea has what the others call the 3B’s: beauty, body, and brains. She also possesses the 2P’s: pulchritude and personality.

Chelsea reminds one of Chelsi Smith, Miss Universe 1995 from USA; Kenya Moore, Miss Universe 1993 Top 6 finalist from USA; Wendy Fitzwilliam, Miss Universe 1998 from Trinidad and Tobago; and Leila Lopes, Miss Universe 2011 from Angola.

Chelsea and her team may consider the winning ways (from having a well-toned physique, enticing presence and appeal, a