MANILA, Philippines – In the 73rd edition of Miss Universe, Chelsea Manalo was another crowd favorite, especially during the preliminary rounds in Mexico City on November 15, 2024.
The Philippine pageant crowd was eager to witness the performance of our bet as she strutted down the Miss U stage during the national costume round.
Update November 30, 2024: Miss Universe Philippines Chelsea Manalo won the National Costume Competition of the 73rd Miss Universe competition, the international pageant announced on Saturday.
 |
| Miss Universe 2024 Philippines Chelsea Manalo downs her “Hiraya” national costume. Photo Courtesy: Facebook/Chelsea Anne Manalo |
Chelsea walked down the stage in an intricately beaded gown and a headdress adorned with jewels. A closer look of the headpiece shows a Spanish Galleon typically used during the Spanish Trade and Exploration in the 15th and 16th centuries.
Her national costume is said to have been inspired by Philippine’s history of Christianity, and Islam shared with Mexico. “The exploration of Spain and Mexico led to the Christianization of much of the country,” prelims host explained.
A nice surprise was when Chelsea turned to show off her gown’s trail which has beautiful handpainting of Virgen Milagrosa.
 |
| Miss Universe 2024 Philippines Chelsea Manalo downs her “Hiraya” national costume. Screenshot via YouTube/ Telemundo |
 |
| Miss Universe 2024 Philippines Chelsea Manalo downs her “Hiraya” national costume. Screenshot via YouTube/ Telemundo |
On Facebook, Miss Universe Philippines explained that Chelsea’s national costume was named “Hiraya” which is a “vision of what will become…. It is clear in your mind, and it speaks truthfully in your heart.” The gown and jewelries were designed and made by Manny Halasan.
Hiraya ✨💫 Hiraya is a vision of what will become…. It is clear in your mind, and it speaks truthfully in your heart. ...
Posted by Chelsea Anne Manalo on Thursday, November 14, 2024
In the description, the Hiraya national costume is a beautiful play or interpretation of aspiring for the good future with a clear vision, strong faith and hard work amidst adversities.
“Despite all the hardships, chaos, roadblocks and redirection that we go through, believe that there is hope and Divine guidance from a Higher Being,” the Miss U Philippines description added.
It was a symbol of the deep connection and history of the Philippines and the Miss Universe host country, through the Galleon trade and religion.
For this 73rd Miss Universe Preliminaries, four queens and 1 fan-vote winner from over 120 contestants will be announced to automatically advance to the semifinals. Stay tuned on Summit Express for updates and results.
— Sally, The Summit Express
