Miss Universe CEO Anne Jakrajutatip calls PH's Chelsea Manalo a 'humble queen'
Indeed, she is more than just a beautiful face!
The Philippines' Chelsea Manalo is paving her way to prove that she is a beacon of grace and kindness, as Miss Universe CEO Anne Jakrajutatip called her a "humble queen."
In an interview with Qrown Philippines, Manalo said that the Thai pageant owner described her as such while emphasizing that she learned the value from her parents and her roots as Filipino.
"She said I was a humble queen but I had to honor of course my family, the culture that I was brought up to. That's how we are as Filipinos," she said.
Manalo continued, "We always strive (for) power with who we are and that's being humble. You can be humble but you can still be powerful. That's who we are. Laban Filipinas!"
Jakrajutatip and Manalo met during one of the pageant's functions earlier last week. At the event, the CEO adorably welcomed the beauty queen with open arms. Manalo, for her part, greeted Jakrajutatip with "Mabuhay."
When asked about her experience meeting Jakrajutatip, the Bulacan-based beauty said, "It was amazing. I told her how amazing her aura was like and how fun and how accommodating it is to be here in Mexico."
"I just told her it is my dream to visit Mexico, but the weather is pretty chilly here, and I'm a Filipino woman so I love the tropical country. I think I'll still get used to it," she shared.
As the Miss Universe 2024 competition draws near, Manalo has been filling her social media page with some jaw-dropping looks inspired by iconic characters in film and television.
She recently brought the character of Princess Tiana from Disney's The Princess and the Frog to life when she wore an elegant chartreuse gown by Carl Arcusa, styled by Paris Roxas.
During her send-off event earlier in October, Manalo rated her readiness for the competition a nine out of 10, saying it's the support of her fellow Pinoys that would complete it. "I am so excited. I know everyone is excited, too. Let's just wait and see what it is I have to show in Miss Universe," she said in an interview with PhilSTAR L!fe.
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 aiming to take home the fifth crown for the country after Catriona Gray (2018), Pia Wurtzbach (2015), Margie Moran (1973), and Gloria Diaz (1969).
