Chelsea Manalo won the National Costume Award at Miss Universe 2024!
The international pageant announced the exciting news on Saturday, sharing a video compilation of the award’s Top 3.
Chelsea was followed by Chile’s Emilia Dides in 2nd place and Vietnam’s K? Duyên Nguy?n in 3rd place.
“Proudly representing their homeland! The National Costume is a way for contestants to share their country’s story, traditions, and values with the world,” Miss Universe said.
Chelsea’s national costume paid homage to the Philippines’ religions.
Titled “Hiraya,” the creation by Manny Halasan depicts patterns of Islamic art, features Puni, the most popular art form in Bulacan, and has an image of Our Lady of Antipolo or Our Lady of Good Voyage.
It also came with a beaded boat headpiece to symbolize the Galleon trade, in which ships from Manila to Mexico introduced trading to the country.
Following the announcement, the official page of Miss Universe Philippines said, “Thank you to all those who voted to help the Philippines win 1st place!”
Chelsea commented, “#PanaloSiManalo.”
Manny also took to social media to express gratitude.
“OMG Best in National Costume. Thank you Lord!!!!!!! Congratulations Chelsea Manalo,” he said.
Chelsea ended her Miss Universe 2024 journey in the Top 30 and was later crowned the first Miss Universe Asia.
Last year, the Philippines, represented by Michelle Dee, also won the Best National Costume award.
—JCB, GMA Integrated News
