The entire Province of Bulacan was abuzz with excitement as they welcomed home its beloved Reina La Bulakenya, Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Anne Manalo in a victory parade at the Provincial Government.
Through a grand program, Manalo was greeted with cheers and applause from her fellow Bulakenyos led by Governor Daniel Fernando and Vice Governor Alexis Castro together with the officials and department heads of the Provincial Government of Bulacan (PGB).
She was honored with the highest recognition from the PGB in the form of a trophy for her victory in the Binibining Pilipinas pageant, while the Sangguniang Panlalawigan ng Bulacan bestowed upon her the highest recognition and greetings through Resolution No. 461-2024, presented by Castro during the program.
In his heartfelt message, Fernando poured out his overflowing support on behalf of the Bulakenyos, as Reina La Bulakenya prepares to take on the Miss Universe stage in Mexico, celebrating the representation of another Bulakenyo in the international platform.
“Sa iyo, Chelsea, maraming salamat sa karangalang ibinahagi mo sa iyong mga kababayan. On a personal note, salamat sa pagkakataong ang inyong Abang Lingkod ay maging bahagi ng iyong Miss Philippines- Universe Journey,” Fernando said.
“Hindi ka lamang isang reyna ng kagandahan; ikaw ay isang liwanag ng pag-asa at inspirasyon sa bawat kabataang Bulakenyo, at sa buong sambayanang Filipino.”
“Ang buong Bulacan ay nagbubunyi sa iyong matamis na tagumpay. Hindi ka lamang isang reyna ng kagandahan; ikaw ay isang liwanag ng pag-asa at inspirasyon sa bawat kabataang Bulakenyo, at sa buong sambayanang Filipino,” the governor added.
During her speech, Manalo became emotional as she expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to her victory, notably her proud parents, Contessa Manalo and Randy Angeles, and Manny Halasan, the designer of her gown, for their unwavering support despite her considering to discontinue joining the Binibining Pilipinas pageant.
She also thanked all those who lend their helping hands to her throughout her pageant journey and personal life, extending her appreciation to all Filipinos, especially the Bulakenyos, for their consistent support, no matter how small the gestures were.
“We are our own heroes.”
“We are our own heroes. So kayo pong lahat ay nakikita ko as my own hero here supporting me. Your dreams and your time will come, and my time will come, and we’ll continue when I get to bring home the 5th crown for the Miss Universe 2024. Maraming salamat po sa opportunity na ito, I give it back to everyone here. My victory is also yours, maraming salamat po,” Manalo stressed.
Meanwhile, the parade traversed the historic streets of the province from the Capitol Compound to Malolos Bayan via Paseo Del Congreso, and ended at the Malolos-Guiguinto Boundary Arch, allowing residents to catch a glimpse of their queen and cheer her on.
