Chelsea Manalo took the crown for the Best National Costume at the 73rd Miss Universe!
Photo: Seven Barretto
On November 30, the international pageant announced the Top 3 finalists for the Best National Costume, with Chelsea as the first runner-up, followed by Chile’s Emilia Dides and Vietnam’s Ky Duyen Nguyen in second and third place, respectively.
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The Bulakenya beauty queen donned “Hiraya,” a creation by Manny Halasan that pays homage to Philippine history and culture. It depicts the relationship between the Philippines and Mexico and serves as an artistic interpretation of the introduction of Christianity and Islam to the country.
“Hiraya” is made of inaul fabric, a traditional fabric of Sultan Kudarat adorned with tongkaling bells typically used in Mindanao, and featuring intricate puni patterns—decorative coconut fronds popular in Bulacan.
The skirt showcases an image of Our Lady of Antipolo or Our Lady of Good Voyage, a carving brought to the Philippines from Mexico, while the headdress is embellished with a stunning beaded boat, symbolizing the galleon trade. The elegant costume was completed with matching fans!
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This marks the country’s second consecutive win in the National Costume competition, as Michelle Dee also took home the award at Miss Universe 2023.
Chelsea finished her Miss Universe 2024 journey in the Top 30 and was later crowned the first Miss Universe Asia. The pageant’s national costume and preliminary competition was held on November 15 (Philippine time).
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