I’ve never been much of a fan of pageantry, local or international. I understand that pageants are not just about surface-level beauty, and at its core, these contests are supposed to be a platform to empower women, while also placing a strong emphasis on different social causes. But despite all that, a certain standard of beauty has always prevailed: Caucasian.
OP-ED: Why Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Manalo Is Breaking Beauty Standards
In the Philippines, colorism and colonialism have left deep scars. The preference for lighter skin is pervasive, reflected in everything from everyday microaggressions to the booming market for skin-whitening products. After 333 years under Spanish rule and decades of American influence, the notion that lighter skin is superior has been deeply ingrained in our society. This colonial mentality persists, manifesting in our media's preference for mestizo and mestiza celebrities with fair skin, reinforcing the idea that white is better, more attractive, and more elite.
A stark example of this colorism was evident in 2021 when Miss Universe Canada representative Steven Nova opened up on a now-deleted Instagram post about the racist comments she received from Filipinos, calling her “nognog” and other racial slurs, highlighting how deeply entrenched these prejudices are. I’d like to believe that not all Filipinos hold these views, but it's been apparent that our society has long put lighter-skinned individuals on pedestals and everyone else below them—quite literally. This historical pattern traces back to Spanish colonization, where the racial hierarchy placed Spanish-born Spaniards, Manila-born Spaniards, and often light-skinned mestizos at the top, while indigenous Filipinos—many with darker skin tones—were designated as “indios,” the lowest social rank.
Against this backdrop, Chelsea Manalo of Bulacan's victory for the Miss Universe Philippines crown felt like a breath of fresh air. Her win is more than just a personal achievement—it’s a powerful statement against the deeply ingrained colorism in our society. Having a dark-skinned beauty queen represent the country on a platform as significant as Miss Universe feels like a significant stride towards dismantling unhealthy beauty standards in the Philippines.
Many would agree that her win was unexpected, beating veterans and frontrunners, but it was undoubtedly well-deserved. Her evening gown performance was stellar, and her response during the Q&A portion was nothing short of inspiring. When asked, “You are beautiful and confident. How would you use these qualities to empower others?” Chelsea heralded herself as a woman of color, who has been influenced and now influences others. "I have always listened to my mother to always believe in yourself and uphold the vows that you have in yourself," she said. "As a transformational woman, I have here with me 52 other delegates who have helped me become the woman I am."
Chelsea's win has garnered mixed reactions, as most wins often do, but it stands as more than just a personal victory. It's a triumph for all Filipinas who have been made to feel inadequate by our society's narrow beauty standards. While Chelsea is still half-Filipino and half-African American, she's a reminder that true beauty knows no bounds and that every woman, regardless of her skin color, deserves to feel empowered and celebrated. Chelsea's win isn't just another crowning moment in pageant history, but it's a symbol of progress towards a more inclusive, diverse, and accepting Philippines—one we're hoping to get to, one step at a time.
Congratulations, Chelsea, and we wish you the best on your journey to the Miss Universe stage!
About the Author
Isha Fojas is the Editorial Assistant for Beauty at Preview.
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