In a groundbreaking event, Filipino American Chelsea Manalo became the first Black woman to be crowned Miss Universe Philippines on Wednesday. Born to a Filipino mother and African American father, the 24-year-old’s victory was widely celebrated on social media for challenging and “shattering” traditional beauty ideals long held in the country.
“Chelsea’s win challenges our ingrained preference for Eurocentric beauty (features) and lighter complexions in our nation,” wrote one user in response to an Instagram post of the win on Miss Universe Philippines’ official account. “Filipino beauty standard shattered into pieces,” read another.
Representing Bulacan, a province to the north of Manila, Manalo triumphed over 52 other contestants from across the archipelago and overseas. The competition took place at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
As the contest narrowed down to the top five finalists, Manalo was asked on stage how she would use her beauty and confidence to empower others. She responded by highlighting her experiences as a woman of color.
“As a woman of color, I have always faced challenges in my life. I was told that beauty has standards, actually,” she said, adding that she was taught to “believe in my mother, to always believe in yourself, uphold the vows that you have.” She continued, “Because of these, I am already influencing a lot of women who are facing me right now,” gazing out at the packed arena.
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Manalo’s victory comes amid a broader conversation about diversifying beauty standards in the Philippines, a country where Western ideals have long been prominent, influenced by the nation’s colonial history. Lighter-skinned actors and models typically dominate major TV shows, movies, and fashion campaigns. As in other Asian countries, skin-lightening treatments and products are common.
In a YouTube video on Empire Philippines, which livestreamed the event, Manalo described her own insecurities growing up. “I grew up having insecurities as I was always bullied because of my skin and my hair type,” she said, crediting her friends and family for helping her “realize that I am beautiful in my own extraordinary way.”
Manalo will represent the Philippines in the Miss Universe pageant to be held in Mexico in September. She aims to earn the fifth Miss Universe title for the country, following in the footsteps of Gloria Diaz in 1969, Margie Moran in 1973, Pia Wurtzbach in 2015 (after host Steve Harvey initially declared the wrong winner), and Catriona Gray in 2018.
Over 100 countries will be represented at Miss Universe 2024. This year’s competition will be notable for removing the upper age limit previously set for its contestants, who were required to be between 18 and 28 years old.
The Miss Universe organization has recently faced scrutiny as the parent company of the Miss USA organization. Both Miss USA and Miss Teen USA resigned from their roles earlier this May, amid allegations of mismanagement, a toxic work environment, and conditions that impacted their mental health.
As Manalo steps onto the global stage, her victory in the Philippines marks a significant step towards inclusivity and the celebration of diverse beauty standards in the country and beyond.
