Chelsea Manalo. Photo from Miss Universe Philippines' Facebook page. 

MANILA — Filipino-American beauty queen Chelsea Manalo of Bulacan will be representing the Philippines in the upcoming Miss Universe pageant in Mexico.

On her second attempt at a national pageant, Manalo rose among the ranks of pageant veterans and comeback contestants to bag the crown early Thursday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Bulacan's Chelsea Manalo to represent PH at Miss Universe 2024

Here are some facts about Chelsea Manalo:

Early life background

Manalo is 24 years old. Her father is American while her mother, Contessa Manalo, is Filipino. She is a tourism graduate.

Model at the age of 14.

Based on Empire Philippines' website, Manalo started modelling at the age of 14 for magazines, commercials, and print ads.

Indigenous people's rights and education advocate

Some of Manalo's advocacies include youth empowerment centering on education. She is also focusing on the youth among the indigenous people's sector.

Miss World Philippines 2017 candidate

Manalo first vied to represent the country in the Miss World pageant in 2017. She ended her journey as one of the Top 15 finalists.

Manalo was crowned by Miss Universe 2023 Top 10 Michelle Dee and will be aiming for the 5th Miss Universe crown for the Philippines.

The Philippines has 4 Miss Universe after the victories of Gloria Diaz (1969), Margie Moran (1973), Pia Wurtzbach (2015), and Catriona Gray (2018).