Chelsea Manalo to depart for Miss Universe 2024 on October 21: 'Come say hi'

Chelsea Manalo is leaving for Miss Universe 2024 next week!

The Filipina beauty queen told GMA News Online in an exclusive interview that she will be departing the Philippines on Monday, October 21, and she’s hoping to receive support at the airport from her kababayans. She will first fly to Los Angeles, California before she flies to Mexico for the pageant.

“Come say hi, let’s take a photo. Who knows, right? Baka matagalan na bago makauwi,” she said. “I wish nothing else but prayers for safe travels and to make it to the finals.”

Chelsea also expressed her immense gratitude for the support she has been given, especially now that her official Miss Universe headshot is finally out.

“You have no idea na — yes, it’s my dream. Pero before it was my dream, it was a dream of my mom and my dad. Now, carrying the Philippine sash with me to Mexico, I’m carrying the dream of all Filipinos,” she said.

Chelsea added, “Maraming maraming salamat kasi you made it happen for me to be there in Mexico, so sana tulungan niyo ako to get that crown. Sana hanggang sa maiuwi ko ang crown here, hindi tayo mawalan pa rin ng pag-asa.”

She asked again for prayers and help, especially in the votings, including her Voice for Change entry, which is related to the “whole universe,” especially Filipinos.

Voting for Chelsea will help her reach “good audiences, sources that can make us lead to the finals. If I do that, then konting kembot na lang.”

“Trust me na I will do my best,” she said.

Chelsea will vie for the country’s fifth Miss Universe crown on the coronation night happening on November 16. The Preliminary and National Costume competitions are set for November 14.

The 25-year-old Bulakenya beauty won the Miss Universe Philippines 2024 crown in May, making her the first Filipino-Black American candidate ever to win the national title.

Just last week, she had a send-off ceremony, radiating positive vibes and also giving a sample of her introduction. —JCB, GMA Integrated News