MANILA - Filipino American Chelsea Manalo became the first Black woman to be crowned Miss Universe Philippines on Wednesday. Born to a Filipino mother and African American father, the 24-year-old’s win was celebrated on social media as helping to “shatter” traditional beauty ideals long held in the country. “Chelsea’s win challenges our ingrained preference for Eurocentric beauty (features) and lighter complexions in our nation,” wrote one user in response to an Instagram post of the win on Miss Universe Philippines’ official account.
“Filipino beauty standard shattered into pieces,” read another. Representing Bulacan, a province to the north of Manila, Manalo beat out 52 other contestants from around the archipelago and overseas. As the competition narrowed down to the top five finalists, Manalo was asked on stage how she would use her beauty and confidence to empower others.
“As a woman of colour, I have always faced challenges in my life. I was told that beauty has standards, actually,” she said, adding that she was taught to “believe in my mother, to always believe in yourself, uphold the vows that you have.” “Because of these, I am already influencing a lot of women who are facing me right now,” she said, gazing out to the packed arena.
Manalo’s win is part of a wider conversation about diversifying notions of beauty in the Philippines, a country where certain Western ideals have long persisted, shaped in part by the country’s colonial p.