Chelsea Manalo named first Miss Universe Asia
The Philippines' Chelsea Manalo added to her impressive Miss Universe journey by claiming the title of Miss Universe Asia, one of the pageant's continental crowns.
On Instagram, Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) creative director Jonas Gaffud shared the good news on social media where Manalo, who finished in the top 30 of the pageant on Sunday, Nov. 17, was announced as Miss Universe Asia and was awarded by Miss Universe owner Anne Jakrajutatip.
"Yes Thank you, Lord! Chelsea has an award! Miss Universe Asia!" Gaffud wrote in the caption.
Meanwhile, MUPH shared a video of Manalo thanking her Filipino pageant fans for the feat.
"Hello, Maraming Salamat. Mabuhay [ang] Pilipinas, we are making history as Miss Universe Asia," she said.
Joining Manalo 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.
In case you didn't know, the selection of continental queen is among the new rules set for the 73rd Miss Universe, where four girls from their respective continents will receive this award.
As continental queens, they will accompany Victoria Kjaer Theilvig, the newly crowned Miss Universe, on some trips, who is expected to visit 35 countries.
According to a report by ABS-CBN News, Manalo will travel to Asian countries, including Thailand and Palawan in the Philippines.
Manalo ended her Miss Universe 2024 journey in the Top 30 during the coronation night in Mexico on Sunday, Nov. 17 (PH Time). 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).
Meanwhile, Denmark's Theilvig has been crowned the 73rd Miss Universe, making her the first Danish woman to win the prestigious crown. This is also the first time since 1957 that Denmark has landed in the top five of the competition.
