Exclusive interview with Chelsea Manalo in Los Angeles before she heads to Mexico

Statuesque and lovely Chelsea Anne Manalo, the reigning Miss Universe Philippines, attended a welcome party in Los Angeles hosted by Emmy Award-winning producer and former Binibining Pilipinas International Lisa Manibog Lew and her husband Peter Brennan at their residence above Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles.

Manalo, who was accompanied by Miss Universe Philippines CEO/President Jonas Gaffud and Miss Universe Philippines Executive Vice President/Director of Communications Voltaire Tayag, was happy to meet many members of the Filipino community in the City of Angels.

One of the guests included Binibining Pilipinas Universe 1978 Jennifer Cortes who competed in Mexico during her time. Cortes talked to Manalo and advised her to "just be yourself and have fun. And learn some Spanish greetings."

Other guests included Miss Filipina International 2023 third runner-up Rylen Steinbuch (with her mom, Valen, herself a beauty queen), fashion designers Alexis "Bong" Monsanto, Gabriel Gonzales and Robert Kolosso of The Mestizo, Carl Andrada, Kenneth Barlis, filigree jewelry master Oskar Atendido, Jennifer Lorenzana of Stella Rosa Philippines, community leader Rembrandt Flores, author-journalist Ruben V. Nepales, broadcast journalist Steve Angeles, producer Meriden Angeles, photographers Sthanlee B. Mirador and Jaime Lim, creatives Bongbong Buan and Michael Molina, among others.

The beauty from Meycauayan, Bulacan, who started modeling at the age of 14, is the first Filipino of African-American descent to win the national competition. We were able to talk to Manalo during her LA visit.

Photo by Sthanlee B. Mirador

This is actually my second time in Los Angeles. When I was younger, my Lolo and I spent summer here and we went a lot to the beach.

What are you looking forward to doing or seeing while you are in LA?

I am already doing it now. I am excited to meet the Filipino community here in LA. I am enjoying their support. I also love to feel the breeze here because it is so hot in the Philippines, and it is cold here right now.

You have mentioned in an interview that Naomi Campbell was one of your idols. If you had a chance to meet Naomi, what would you be asking her?

I would ask her how she did that runway. I am going to use it on my own runway. My idol when I was 14 years old was also Tyra Banks. I really wanted to be a model. But look at me now. I have my own runway as Chelsea Manalo.

I heard that Jonas Gaffud himself also taught you the pasarela. How was that experience?

Yes, he did. It was a workout. Pasarela is not really easy. It is not only physical training but also it is about showing your personality. It is not only trying to look your best but also letting your personality shine through.

You are an advocate for the indigenous Dumagat people of Norzagaray, Bulacan. What were the things you learned about them that impressed you?

Yes, I am an advocate for the indigenous Dumagat tribe of Bulacan. I met them and I am an advocate for supporting the indigenous children. My main concern is to provide them with education because they couldn't afford it. They are not all privileged to go to school. I have big dreams to give them that support and to help the poor children in the Philippines.

Talk about the support that your family is giving you.

Yes, my family gives me full support. They are my main team who pushed me to pursue my dreams and to dream big. In fact, they are all flying to Mexico to support me.

How are you preparing for the Miss Universe competition?

Most of the people in my team tell me to simply enjoy my reign because it is only for a year. To win is just a bonus. I already enjoyed my reign while I was in the Philippines. I attended several community events, photo shoots and did so many projects that I love. I am still learning and still growing.

Photo by Sthanlee B. Mirador

Jennifer told me to just enjoy it and have fun and be myself.

You are just one step away from Mexico City where the Miss Universe competition will be held. What are your thoughts and feelings right now?

Honestly, I am excited and nervous. But I am not nervous because of the competition. I am just too excited because I will be in Mexico and when I was a little girl, I have always wanted to visit Mexico to see and meet their people, and enjoy their culture. Mexico was my dream country to visit.

Why is Mexico your dream country to visit?

It is my dream country because my Pop in the U.S. raised me to love dancing and music. And I love Mexican dances and music. I love their food, and I love their culture. Their culture is like Filipino culture. Their traditions are like Philippine traditions.

How do you think you will stand out among the contestants at the Miss Universe competition?

I will stand out because I am a Filipina, and we Filipinas are powerful.

Would you like to invite your fans to come to Mexico and support you?

Yes, please come to Mexico to support me. Magbayanihan tayo!