And then the unexpected happened.
During the preliminaries and pre-pageant activities, Miss Universe Philippines-Bulacan Province Chelsea Ann was never a frontrunner.
In surveys and polls, Chelsea Ann wasn’t even on top of the heap but in the final leg of the MUP and during the coronation night, she emerged as the winner by virtue of the official tally of all the jurors.
After her proclamation as the 2024 Miss Universe Philippines, there were, and still are, criticisms hurled against her person in both social media and personal assessment of observers, friends and foes alike of the clincher to the title.
“Ang itim-itim naman n’yan, ba’t ‘yan ang nanalo (She’s too dark, why did she win?),” commented one beauty contests aficionado.
“’Yan ba ang ipapadala natin sa Miss Universe sa Mexico? Manalo kaya ‘yan (Is she the one to represent us in the contest? Will she ever win?),” asked another beauty searches enthusiast.
“Marami namang iba. Bakit ‘yan sa lahat (There were many to choose from. Why she of all people?),” wondered the critics.
Despite the many who are not in favor of Manalo winning the crown, there are still many netizens who see through beneath her color.
One of them is Briton blogger Malcolm Conlan who says these encouraging digital statements: “Congratulations to Miss Universe Philippines Bulacan, Chelsea Manalo!!!!
“She is definitely beautiful for sure!!!
“There are some people however who have made comments referring to her skin complexion or even posted a laughing emoji on the article or used other terms to inadvertently refer to her skin tone.
“Although the Philippines IS moving on and is accepting that beauty is not just the domain of people with a lighter skin complexion, there is still some way to go!!!
“Hopefully this will also do some damage to the skin whitening market too and give those in the entertainment industry with a darker complexion more of a chance of a major role, as much as I am a massive fan of the Philippine movie industry, I do hope this is a game changer.
“For me there is NOTHING special about being white or light skinned. We are all the same. I do hope perceptions will change.
“For me, I have a massive hunch and gut feeling that the next Miss Universe will be won by a Filipina for sure!!!!
“Let’s ALL support her as she continues on this wonderful journey.
“Be proud of who you are, what you have achieved!!!
“So proud!!!
“My prediction is for Miss Universe to be won by Chelsea Ann Manalo, she is amazing in every way, I’m a fan.”
Netizen Jocelyn Tolarba writes: “Salute to the inner beauty that radiates & illuminates without fail. BEAUTY that is within generates you to look more attractive and impressive. Congratulations to the reigning Queen Miss Bulacan.Facebook user Grace Ann defends Manalo: “Not a crowd’s favorite. Hindi maingay Sa (not noisy in) social media, pero grabe may ibubuga (but great and has a lot to offer). You go girl, show them what you've got! Black is definitely beautiful.”
Former Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino (MPP) member, founder of KRITIKA and Young Critics Circle (YCC), recipient of the 2024 prestigious Jefferson Awards in the US for community arts and culture in San Francisco and organizer/owner of Filipino American Cine Festival in California, now on its 40th year has asserted: “History-making. Unprecedented.
“The first black Filipina ever crowned Miss Philippines-Universe, Chelsea Ann Manalo of Bulacan…
“This, after a long history of the competition where the Philippines continues to be represented by fair-skinned Filipinas, be Castillan, Anglo or East Asian.
“Wishing you the best, Miss Philippines-Universe.
“Say, manalo (win)!”
Photo Courtesy: Miss Universe Philippines
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