From crown to mic: Is Chelsea Manalo pursuing a singing career?
Chelsea Manalo has already established a name in the pageant scene, but behind the glamorous stage moments lies another side of her that many people don't know: her musical aspirations.
After establishing herself as the first-ever Miss Universe Asia 2024, the Bulakenya beauty queen hinted at another exciting venture.
On Instagram, she shared snippets of herself singing in a recording studio, leaving her fans excited about the possibility of Chelsea stepping into the music industry.
"The dream [I] am dreaming of," she wrote in the caption.
Though further details have not yet been revealed, Chelsea has been vocal about her "childhood dream" to become a pop star.
In an exclusive interview with PhilSTAR L!fe, Chelsea revealed that she used to participate in singing contests. She also shared some of her go-to karaoke songs and the music that described her Miss Universe journey.
"My go-to karaoke song is She Will Be Loved by Maroon 5," she told L!fe, adding that her favorite song during that time was La Bulaqueña by Orange and Lemons.
When asked what song best describes her pageant journey, the 25-year-old stunner said it's Higit Pa sa Ganda by Angel Dayao.
"This is the song that Miss Universe Philippines played and nag-instill siya sa akin [because] it's not just who you look like, the story behind it is deeper than who you are, much more beautiful [on the] inside."
Chelsea ended her Miss Universe 2024 journey in the Top 30 during the coronation night in Mexico on Sunday, Nov. 17 (PH Time).
Nonetheless, she made history as the first Miss Universe Asia 2024, one of the pageant's continental crowns. Joining her are Nigeria's Chidimma Adetshina, Finland's Matilda Wirtavuori, and Peru's Tati Calmell, who were named continental queens for Africa & Oceania, Europe, and the Americas, respectively.
Chelsea also won the Best in Costume award, wearing a Hiraya ensemble by Filipino Fashion designer Manny Halasan during the pageant.
If she won, she would be the fifth Pinay to win the coveted Miss Universe crown, following the wins of Catriona Gray (2018), Pia Wurtzbach (2015), Margie Moran (1973), and Gloria Diaz (1969).
