Miss Universe Asia Chelsea Manalo receives a warm welcome
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Chelsea Manalo arrived in the country last night not just as the first Miss Universe Asia but also a National Costume winner.
Current reigning Miss Universe Asia Chelsea Manalo arrived back in the country last night and the nation's new queen definitely received a warm welcome.
In one of the more recent posts on the official Miss Universe Philippines Instagram account, the organization posted multiple photos of Chelsea's arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) where she was met by adoring crowds as well as the media. In the caption to the post, the organization thanked everyone for showing their love and support to Chelsea.
Related gallery: Check out Miss Universe PH Chelsea Manalo's stylish outfits in Mexico
Before her return to the country, the Miss Universe Philippines organization shared details about her Manny Halasan-made National Costume, especially after she was named the National Costume winner for the 2024 Miss Universe pageant.
On their Instagram account, the Miss Universe Philippines organization posted multiple slides explaining the different parts of the national costume. The costume is made from Inaul fabric, the traditional fabric of Sultan Kudarat. It was used in the costume to represent the country's Muslim population. The costume also had a painting of Our Lady of Antipolo on the back to acknowledge the carving brought from Mexico to the Philippines back in the 16th century.
The national costume also featured tongkaling, small bells typically used in Mindanao that make a distinctive sound when one moves, as well as puni decorations, a Bulacan tradition that creatively uses coconut fronds. Of course, the most noticeable part of the costume was the Galleon headpiece meant to honor the role the Galleon trade played in spreading Christianity in the country.
The month before, Chelsea also posted multiple photos of her in the Manny Halasan Tiffany gown, which the designer described as showing “modern glamour” and “timeless grace”. The designer also said that the gown's armor paired with ostrich feathers shows what she is “authentically” made of, “simple yet strong, subtle but remarkable.”
Since her performance in the pageant, Kapuso beauty queen Michelle Dee and It's Showtime host Vice Ganda have both expressed their pride and gratitude.
Residents of Meycauayan City also expressed their support for Chelsea, who they still consider a winner.
“Napakaganda nung performance ni Chelsea kanina and 101 percent binigay niya 'yung best niya,” shared Clemen Pariñas, a member of Meycauayan's LGBTQIA+ community. “I think pagbalik niya naman dito, may naghihintay pa rin sa kanyang mga opportunities. Alam kong maraming magbubukas na pinto para sa kanya.”
Meanwhile, Lani Villarico, Chelsea's principal when she was in school, could not stop herself from expressing some sadness at the results.
“Hindi ko inaasahan. Nalulungkot kami kasi alam naming kung paano mag-perform si Chelsea. Kahit saan natin tingnan 'yung kanyang mga performance, talagang the best siya. Naiiba siya sa karamihan,” she shared. “Disappointed talaga kami, lalo na ako. Kilala ko 'yung bata na 'yan.”
Nevertheless, she still had nothing but praise for Chelsea's performance.
“Ikaw pa din, the best ka. Alam mo 'yung talagang totoo. Higit sa lahat, ang iyong kakayanan ay ipinakita mo sa madla, sa buong Pilipinas, na ikaw ang pinaka magaling, pinaka mahusay sa lahat,” she said.
Related gallery: Miss Universe Asia 2024 Chelsea Manalo's killer looks in the MU 2024 pageant
