Chelsea Manalo holds homecoming event in Bulacan: 'This La Bulakenya's heart is full'

A few weeks since clinching the Miss Universe Philippines crown, Chelsea Manalo is finally home in Bulacan.

On Instagram, the Filipina beauty queen shared a reel of highlights from her recently concluded homecoming event.

“Isang taos-pusong pasasalamat, Bulacan,” Chelsea said in the caption.

"It's an emotional homecoming for me because I haven't been home in a while – and [coming] home to your warm embrace is overwhelming and humbling," she added. "This La Bulakenya's heart is full."

Chelsea also said her journey towards the Miss Universe Philippines crown "has always been dedicated to my hometown, its artists and history, and the genius of the Filipino."

"Even though we all face challenges daily, Bulakenyos find a way to rise above it. Dakila kayo,” she said. "Bulacan is home in all senses of the world."

Last month, Chelsea was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2024. She will represent the Philippines in the much-anticipated Miss Universe pageant in Mexico later this year.

Previously, the 24-year-old had a grand homecoming in her alma mater, De La Salle Araneta University, where the beauty queen talked about her life as a student.

She also showed off her pasarela, which she officially called the "Tampisaw Walk." —KBK, GMA Integrated News