Filipina-American Makes History as First Black Miss Universe Philippines
Chelsea Manalo, a 24-year-old Filipino American, shattered traditional beauty ideals in the Philippines by becoming the first Black woman to win the title of Miss Universe.
Representing Bulacan, a province north of Manila, she triumphed over 52 other contestants from across the Philippines and abroad. The competition was held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
Born to a Filipino mother and African American father, Manalo's win represents a significant step towards embracing diversity in Filipino beauty ideals.
"Chelsea’s win challenges our ingrained preference for Eurocentric features and lighter complexions in our nation," one Instagram user commented on Miss Universe Philippines' official account. Another added, "Filipino beauty standard shattered into pieces."
In the final round, Manalo was asked on stage how she would use her beauty and confidence to empower others.
She answered, "As a woman of color, I have always faced challenges in my life. I was told that beauty has standards. But for me, I have listened to always believe in my mother, to always believe in yourself, and uphold the vows that you have. Because of these, I am already influencing a lot of women who are facing me right now."
Chelsea Manalo's victory is part of a broader discourse on diversifying beauty standards in the Philippines. Historically, colonial influences have shaped Filipino preferences toward lighter skin and Western features. This is evident in the prominence of lighter-skinned models and actors in media and the widespread use of skin-lightening products.
Manalo began her modeling career at 14. In a YouTube video on Empire Philippines, she discussed her struggles with self-perception.
"Growing up, I had insecurities. I was bullied because of my skin and my hair type," she said. "My friends and family helped me realize that I am beautiful in my own unique way."
Manalo will represent the Philippines at the 73rd Miss Universe pageant in Mexico this September. She aims to secure the fifth Miss Universe title for her country, following in the footsteps of Gloria Diaz (1969), Margie Moran (1973), Pia Wurtzbach (2015) and Catriona Gray (2018).
Over 100 countries will participate in Miss Universe 2024. This year marks a significant change as the competition has removed the upper age limit for contestants, previously set between 18 and 28 years old.
The Miss Universe organization has come under scrutiny in recent weeks. The parent company of the Miss USA organization faced allegations of mismanagement and a toxic work environment, leading to the resignation of both Miss USA 2023 Noelia Voigt and Miss Teen USA 2023 UmaSofia Srivastava in early May 2024.
In her resignation letter, Voigt accused Miss USA CEO and President Laylah Rose of consistently failing to communicate, being "often cold and unnecessarily aggressive", and not taking an incident of sexual harassment seriously. Voigt said Rose made derogatory remarks about her, "weaponized her mental health struggles", and hoped she would get hit in the face by a baseball.
The toxic environment caused Voigt to develop anxiety, heart palpitations, shakes, loss of appetite, weight, sleep and hair. She said the organization's statements about morals and integrity directly contradict what is happening within Miss USA.
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