Chelsea Manalo is giving her all to bring home the Miss Universe crown to the Philippines as the coronation night draws closer.
Photo: Seven Barretto
The 26-year-old beauty queen has been making rounds on social media for her national costume, which pays homage to the history of Christianization and Islam in the country.
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“Faith can navigate us through life. No matter what religion we believe in. If we pray for something, devote and give our faith and work for it, in God’s perfect time everything is possible. Despite all the hardships, chaos, roadblocks and redirection that we go through, believe that there is hope and Divine guidance from a Higher Being,” she captioned in an Instagram post.
The beauty queen is not backing down from the crown. In another Instagram post, she shared a series of photos wearing a stunning blue gown from Filipino fashion designer Manny Halasan.
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“Living in the moment, living the dream,” she wrote. “Forever grateful to sir Manny Halasan for making me live this unforgettable moment, for being one of the many people who’s helped make my dreams come true.”
Additionally, the Philippine delegate also looked her best as she wore the first Filipino-crafted Miss Universe crown.
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“Feeling fired up and determined to give my best after seeing the first Filipino-crafted Miss Universe crown up close,” she said.
She added: “Not exactly 377 steps over five years, but I, too, was years in the making. Hearing the story behind the creation of the Light of Infinity crown yesterday, I’m reminded of all the people who pushed and supported me to be who I am today. This isn’t just my fight—it’s ours.”
The “Lumière de l’Infini” or Light of Infinity crown was unveiled on November 14, featuring the Philippines’ national gem—the South Sea pearl.
Chelsea Manalo, who will be vying for the Philippines’ fifth Miss Universe crown, is the first Filipino of African descent to be crowned Miss Universe Philippines. She has been a strong advocate for indigenous communities and youth empowerment.
The Philippines has previously brought home four Miss Universe crowns. Past titleholders include Gloria Diaz (1969), Margie Moran (1973), Pia Wurtzbach (2015), and Catriona Gray (2018).
The highly anticipated finale will take place on November 17 at the Arena CDMX, Mexico City.
ALSO READ: Chelsea Manalo Is a Real-Life Disney Princess Ahead of Miss Universe Stint
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