Chelsea’s cerulean blue gown was a standout in a sea of heavily beaded gowns during the 73rd Miss Universe preliminary competition in Mexico— where the Bulacan beauty gracefully twirled like a princess in Mexico. And her mom Contessa Manalo couldn’t be prouder!
Speaking to PeopleAsia shortly after the preliminaries, Contessa said: “I’m so happy na nag-perform sya ng maayos. And I’m glad na ‘yung gown n’ya ay alam kong tatatak [ sa mga judges], (I’m so happy that she performed well and Im glad, knowing that her gown will leave a mark).”
“From the moment I stepped on stage, I felt the ocean breeze in my soul! Sharing a few highlights from my preliminary swimsuit performance. It’s all about confidence and representing the Philippines with my whole heart,” Manalo said in a Facebook post, shortly after going onstage.
The gorgeous blue number was made by Manny Halasan, who is also the mastermind behind the national costume dubbed as “Hiraya.” The national costume, on the other hand, is an homage to the rich cultural connection between the Philippines and Mexico, this years’ host country, during the Spanish era Galleon trade. Chelsea’s performance in the national costume round was particularly well-received by the predominantly Mexican audience, especially after the giant screens focused on an image of the Virgin Mary, or Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, patroness of the Antipolo shrine, painted on the skirt of her national costume. The image of the Virgin is said to have originated from Mexico during the Galleon era. — By Iko Gabay
