Chelsea Manalo looks back on student life in De La Salle Araneta University

Before Chelsea Manalo became the Miss Universe Philippines 2024, she was once a student like us, proudly waving the green and white flag of De La Salle Araneta University (DLSAU).

During her grand homecoming in her alma mater on Tuesday, the Bulakenya took time to look back on her student life as a Lasallian.

“The best part of being a Lasallian is always being humble and always being reminded of God. To always keep your faith and be hopeful,” the Lasallian beauty queen said.

She also credited her university in her pageant journey, saying that “she wouldn’t be here right now” if not for her professors and teachers “who would always uplift" her.

“When I competed in Miss World, nag-aaral pa ako ‘non. I remember I was still in senior high school. So, thankful ako sa university itself kasi they also supported me in that dream of mine. They were willing to help me sa mga activities even if may mga delays but they would be there to help me,” Chelsea added.

As a Lasallian, Chelsea said that her university has taught her the importance of faith and hope towards oneself.

“Ang lagi nilang tinuturo sa akin is to always keep your faith and be hopeful for who you are. Always stick to your kindness, to your core, to your dreams. There are a lot of people who will support you. Your friends and family will be there along the way,” the 24 year-old shared with GMA News Online.

“Siguro hindi ako magiging Miss Universe if there were no professor and teachers who guided me alongside my mom and dad. That’s very important for me,” she added.

A smart and active student

Dr. Rejoice Ferrer, DLSAU’s Dean of the College of Business and Accountancy and Chelsea’s professor in business, described the beauty queen as an “active” and “smart” student participating in class activities and even leading various school organizations.

“She’s really active in participating, in reporting, and she’s really an intelligent one,” she shared to GMA News Online.

According to her, Chelsea was a “simple” and “silent” girl, who would sometimes ask her professors for an extra activity that would make up for her absences.

Ferrer also said that the school administration has always been supportive of her pageant journey.

“We are all proud of her and we wish her the best in her Miss Universe journey,” she added.

Chelsea graced the halls of her alma mater on Tuesday and was welcomed with loud cheers and warm hugs from the Lasallian community.

During her grand homecoming, the beauty queen showed off her pasarela, which she officially called the “Tampisaw Walk.”

Chelsea finished her senior high school and earned her bachelor's degree in tourism management from DLSAU.

Chelsea was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2024 on May 22.

In a recent episode of "Fast Talk with Boy Abunda," Chelsea talked about dealing with bashers and how she almost quit the Miss Universe Philippines pageant due to lack of resources.

Aside from Chelsea, four other queens were also crowned: Alexie Brooks of Iloilo as Miss Eco International Philippines; Ahtisa Manalo of Quezon Province as Miss Cosmo Philippines; Tarah Valencia of Baguio as Miss Supranational Philippines; and Cyrille Payumo of Pampanga as Miss Charm Philippines.

— CDC, GMA Integrated News