The Philippines’ Miss Universe 2024 bet Chelsea Manalo may not have had a podium finish as the pageant’s grand titleholder, but many were still awed by the beauty queen’s performance–including judge and celebrated Filipino fashion designer Michael Cinco.
LOOK: Michael Cinco Reveals He Gave Chelsea Manalo High Scores in Miss Universe 2024
On November 16 (November 17 in Manila), beauty queens, judges, and guests attended the afterparty of the 73rd Miss Universe competition in Mexico City. During the event, journalist Dyan Castillejo captured Chelsea Manalo and designer Michael Cinco greeting each other and exchanging pleasantries.
In the video, Michael can be heard telling Chelsea, “Ang taas ng scores na binigay ko [sa’yo]!” The beauty queen responded with an incredulous, “Oh my God! Totoo ba?”.
The Filipino designer seemingly confirmed this in an interview with The Philippine Star after the competition, as he stated that he gave her “the best scores while judging” and that she had his “full support.” Michael was also all praise for the mint-green Manny Halasan evening gown the beauty queen wore, describing how the piece, with its intricate embroidery and feathered cape, “exuded timeless sophistication.”
The Filipina candidate secured a spot in the Top 30, but despite receiving an impressive score from the designer, Chelsea ultimately missed out on advancing to the Top 12. The Miss Universe crown, crafted by Jewelmer, was awarded to Miss Denmark, Victoria Theilvig, marking the country’s first win in the pageant’s 73-year history.
“You may not have made it to the Top 12, but your journey and representation of the Philippines were nothing short of inspiring,” Michael said in a message to Chelsea via his interview with The Philippine Star. “Your grace, confidence, and unwavering dedication to showcasing our culture on the global stage were truly remarkable.”
However, the Filipina beauty queen still made history in the pageant, as she was later crowned as the first-ever Miss Universe Asia. Chelsea is one of the four Continental queens of this year’s pageant, which includes Nigeria’s Chidimma Adetshina for Africa & Oceania, Finland’s Matilda Wirtavuori for Europe & Middle East, and Peru’s Tatiana Calmell for the Americas. Her role will see her traveling across the continent to perform her duties as a spokesperson for regional issues, such as women’s empowerment, youth development, and environmental sustainability.
Congratulations once again, Chelsea!
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