After winning Miss Universe Philippines 2024, the first thing Chelsea Manalo did was go to the Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Hope (Nuestra Señora de la Paz y Buen Viaje) in Antipolo, one of the most popular Marian shrines in the country, to give thanks. Manalo believed that her strong devotion to Our Lady of Antipolo helped her through her pageant journey. Facing many trials she finally bagged the Miss Universe Philippines 2024 crown in May 2024.
The day after winning Miss Universe Philippines 2024, Chelsea Manalo visits the Our Lady of Antipolo shrine to give thanks. Photo by Chelsea Manalo Facebook page
So, it was no surprise that her national costume for the Miss Universe 2024 pageant, held in Mexico November 17 (PH time), has a large embellished image of Nuestra Señora de la Paz y Buen Viaje (Our Lady of Antipolo) on the train of her long dress. Coincidentally this Marian image holds a significant historical connection between Mexico and the Philippines. The original image was brought to the Philippines in 1626 from Acapulco, Mexico, during the galleon trade.
Never has a Miss Philippines who competed in Miss Universe ever worn a national costume that was inspired by the Catholic faith in the Philippines. And in a very serendipitous way, the image was brought back to Mexico via this pageant costume.
Miss Philippines Chelsea Manalo backstage during the Miss Universe 2024 National Costume show in Mexico City. Photo by Miss Universe Organization
The reception from netizens regarding the costume were unanimously positive and ecstatic. One even commented that it was the best representation of a national costume in Miss Universe.
With its unique visual storytelling, netizens also started researching about the Philippine-Mexico galleon trade.
Manalo, who has African-American and Filipino lineage, hails from Bulacan, and worked as a professional model before she joined the pageant.
Miss Philippines 2024 Chelsea Manalo during the Miss Universe 2024 National Costume show. Photo by Miss Universe Organization
Designed by Manny Halasan, the national costume titled, Hiraya, is composed of a jeweled headpiece shaped into a galleon ship. Manalo posted on her Instagram why the costume was called Hiraya, which translates to a deep meaning of “sana” or “I hope” or “I wish.” It is the ability to create or envision things in one’s mind, often relating to aspirations, hopes and desires.
The description further said that despite all the hardships, chaos and roadblocks or redirections that one may go through, believe that there is divine guidance from a Higher Being.
