Despite failing to make it to the Top 12 in the finals of the Miss Universe 2024 beauty contest in Mexico City yesterday, the country’s bet Chelsea Manalo was named the first-ever Miss Universe Asia.
This year’s Miss Universe title went to Victoria Kjaer Theilvig of Denmark who was crowned by Miss Universe 2023 Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua.
Manalo, who succeeded actress-beauty queen Michelle Dee as Miss Universe Philippines, was among the Top 30 semifinalists in the global pageant.
She was chosen as one of the Four Continental Queens of Miss Universe 2024, with Miss Finland for Europe & Middle East, Miss Peru for the Americas, and Miss Nigeria for Africa and Oceania.
In a video in the Ms Universe Philippine Facebook page, the beauty queen expressed her gratitude and pride in making history for the Philippines.
“Hello! Maraming salamat, mabuhay ang Pilipinas. We are making history as Miss Universe Asia,” said Manalo.
During the Top 5 question and answer portion, the 23-year old Theilvig was asked, “Miss Universe has inspired generations of women. What do you want to say to those watching you now?”
Theilvig bested 124 delegates with her winning answer, “My message to all the world watching is: no matter where you come from, no matter your past, you can always choose to turn it into your strength. It will never define who you are. You just have to keep fighting. I stand here today because I want to change, make history. And that’s what I’m doing tonight. So never give up, always believe in yourself and your dreams. And that is exactly what you should do.”
Reports also said that the Four Continental Queens will be traveling with Theilvig as part of the promotional campaign of the Miss Universe Organization.
First runner-up honors was awarded to Miss Nigeria, while Miss Mexico earned the second runner-up spot. Rounding out the Top 5 were Miss Thailand and Miss Venezuela, named third and fourth runners-up, respectively.
It was the fifth time Mexico has hosted the contest, which has been criticized for promoting outmoded ideas of femininity.
The pageant has sought to evolve and rebrand itself after being acquired by JKN Global Group, headed by Thai media mogul and transgender rights campaigner Anne Jakapong Jakrajutatip.
In January, the Mexico-based Legacy Holding acquired a 50 percent stake in Miss Universe. With AFP
