Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Manalo in the eyes of her alma mater

MANILA, Philippines —Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Manalo will have a homecoming celebration in her alma mater De La Salle Araneta University (DLSAU) in Malabon tomorrow.

Chelsea graduated with a degree in Tourism in DLSAU. 

Before the grand homecoming, Philstar.com asked Chelsea's former teachers and friends about the beauty queen as a student in the university. 

“Chelsea (had) been my student in three subjects. In the classroom, I remember her as the pretty lass who is always flashing a smile. Her humility and simplicity despite her beauty and capacity are remarkable. She isn’t boastful kasi she values her relationship with her friends, classmates, and teachers. Pero kapag tinawag s'ya during recitation, napaka-in-depth ng mga answers niya. 

“Her class became my 1st Gawad Lasallianeta organizers back in 2017. She was into modeling na that time so siya ang ginawa kong taga-abot ng mga trophies sa mga media personalities and celebrities on stage. She thanked me for that experience. When she joined Ms. World Philippines and did not make it to the final five but made it to the top 15, I told her that soon she should join again and become Miss Universe Philippines. Nagkatotoo nga! 

“After graduating in senior high school (SHS), she enroled in another university but a year after nagulat ako when I saw her in a classroom sa DLSAU. I approached her and she told me that she figured out that DLSAU is her home away from home kaya bumalik sya sa DLSAU and graduated years after in college. We love you Chelsea!”

“I still remember when Chelsea was my student in Grade-11 in Oral Communication way back in 2016.  When we had our first speaking task activity, she mentioned in her presentation that she had been bullied because of her color. I was wondering why. I was thinking she has all the good qualities despite her complexion. In her spoken discourse, she mentioned that she had been featured in some magazines. I requested her to bring those magazines, and she did. I was so impressed that is why I was really thinking what the reasons were why she was bullied. 

“Chelsea is truly well-rounded, embodying a complete package of intelligence, wit, elegance, respectfulness,