Chelsea Manalo on being labeled as dark horse: 'My victory will be defined by my authenticity and determination'

Chelsea Manalo is more than ready to take home the Philippines' fifth Miss Universe crown!

On Instagram, Chelsea shared gorgeous new portraits with a black horse joining her in the photoshoot.

"Labels may say 'dark horse,' but my victory will be defined by my authenticity and determination," the beauty queen wrote.

"Victory is mine for the taking," she added.

Chelsea, who hails from Bulacan, was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2024 in May. She will compete at the upcoming international pageant in Mexico.

Following her crowning, she held a homecoming event in her hometown and her alma mater, De La Salle Araneta University .

Chelsea officially called her pasarela the Tampisaw Walk and was a stunner in her Miss Universe Philippines official portraits .

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—Hermes Joy Tunac/MGP, GMA Integrated News