Newly-crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Manalo has nothing but a grateful heart for the immense support she received after her historic win.
"I once thought that a fallen star can never be reborn. For years it kept itself absorbed in the dark void. But it once again found its light.
I was that star and last night I shone brightest because of all the love and support I received," the 25-year-old Bulacan beauty queen, donned in a white gown embellished with gems and an ostrich feather cape, said in a lengthy Instagram post on Thursday.
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Manalo's significant win on Wednesday's coronation night of the Miss Universe Philippines marks history for becoming the first Filipino-Black American titleholder.
In her post, she thanked her parents who served as her "pillar of strength and inspiration."
"Mom and Dad, you both served as my pillar of strength and inspiration. I never stumbled as I envisioned myself walking with you. I was calm because I imagined you were holding my hands. Every word I spoke came from the genuine heart you both nurtured. Every step I made on the stage, led us to achieving the crown we all dreamed of. You, both, deserve my eternal gratitude," she wrote.
Manalo also thanked her Bulacan team and regarded them as her "heroes."
"The challenges I was confronted with [were] overcome by your magic, kindness, and generosity. You never made me feel I was alone. I was empowered because I knew you were all by my side," she noted.
The Bulacan beauty also acknowledged her MUPH sisters, calling them her "home."
"The past months have allowed me to find a home away from home. You treated me like family. I learned many lessons from you that I would carry throughout my journey," she said.
"To those who supported me, it was beautiful to know you were all cheering Bulacan even if I didn’t know all of you. Your voices echoed in my head, reminding myself that I should believe in myself because there were people believing in me," she continued.
Chelsea ended her post with a strong promise of bringing the Philippines' 5th crown on the 73rd Miss Universe pageant that will be held in Mexico.
"Sa’yo mahal kong Pilpinas, gagawin ko ang lahat para iuwi ang pang-limang korona. Hindi kita bibiguin. Ilalaban natin ito. Maraming Salamat po."
