Chelsea Manalo wins National Costume Award at Miss Universe 2024

Chelsea Manalo won the National Costume Award at Miss Universe 2024 on Saturday, continuing the Philippines' streak of back-to-back wins in this category.

In addition to Chelsea's win, Michelle Dee from the Philippines also won the award last year, highlighting the country's rich cultural heritage and traditions.

Chelsea's costume, titled 'Hiraya,' featured Islamic art patterns, Puni designs from Bulacan, and an image of Our Lady of Antipolo, symbolizing religious diversity and historical trade.

The design also included a beaded boat headpiece representing the Galleon trade between Manila and Mexico, along with traditional 'inaul' fabric from Mindanao and 'tongkaling' bells that create sound with every step.

Notably, this marks the fourth time in history that a Filipino contestant has won the Best in National Costume award at Miss Universe, following Charlene Gonzalez (1994), Gazini Ganados (2019), and Michelle Dee (2023).

Chelsea's achievement also includes being named Miss Universe - Asia and making it to the Top 30 of Miss Universe 2024.

Manny Halasan, Chelsea's designer, expressed gratitude for the win on social media, noting that 'Hiraya' depicted the history of Christianization and Islam in the Philippines.