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The Philippines has found a new queen in Chelsea Anne Manalo of Bulacan, who was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2024 during the grand coronation night on Wednesday, May 22, beating 52 other delegates and the first ever half-Black to win the title.
Dubbed “Bulacan Barbie,” the 24-year-old was born and raised in Meycauyan City to a Black American father and a Filipino mother, who divorced in 2000. After the divorce, her mother married a Filipino. She has been joining beauty pageants since high school and has also been modeling since she was 14 years old and has landed covers in magazines such as Mega.
In 2017, Manalo participated in Miss World Philippines, finishing in the top 15. She graduated with a tourism degree in college, and aside from pageantry, she developed a greater passion for music and dancing. In her journey as a pageant competitor, one of her advocacies is championing the cause of indigenous youth education.
According to her Miss Universe Philippines profile, she is a dedicated advocate of youth empowerment, focusing on children’s education, especially among indigenous communities. Her advocacy aims to provide educational opportunities for indigenous youth and unlock their full potential.
