Philippines' Chelsea Manalo 'fired up and determined' to give her best after seeing Filipino-crafted Miss Universe crown
Philippine bet Chelsea Manalo is "feeling fired up and determined" to bring home the fifth Miss Universe crown for the country.
On Thursday, Nov. 14, the beauty queen shared photos of her wearing a crown ahead of the much-awaited Miss Universe 2024 pageant. "Feeling fired up and determined to give my best after seeing the first Filipino-crafted Miss Universe crown up close!" she wrote.
Manalo went on to reflect about her Miss Universe journey so far as she talked about the Filipino-crafted “Lumière de l’Infini (The Light of Infinity)” crown for this year's competition. Featuring a rare golden South Sea pearl etched in the middle of sun rays, it was described by Jewelmer as "a miracle created in 377 steps over five years" and a "treasure brought to life by the most pristine environment and utmost human care."
“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,” she said.
“This isn’t just my fight—it’s ours,” she added. “Laban, Pilipinas!”
The Miss Universe crown was revealed on Wednesday, Nov. 13. “The pinnacle of savoir-faire, this one-of-a-kind creation was handcrafted by Filipino master craftsmen, utilizing the traditional techniques practiced in Place Vendôme, the center of elegance in France,” Jewelmer said.
Manalo was crowned Miss Universe Philippines in May, making history as the first Filipina of African descent to win the crown.
The Miss Universe coronation night will be held on Nov. 17 (PH time) in Arena CDMX, Mexico. Manalo is vying for the Philippines’ fifth crown after Catriona Gray (2018), Pia Wurtzbach (2015), Margie Moran (1973), and Gloria Diaz (1969).
