The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
by Boy Villasanta
Miss Universe Philippines Chelsea Manalo might have missed the 2024 Miss Universe crown but she has hit the other title of the contest, Miss Universe Asia.
For the first time in the history of the Miss Universe competition, it’s only this year that a sort of consolation prize was given to the contestants outside the main jury.
After the announcement of Miss U continental queens, netizens such as Filipino entertainment journalists Art Tapalla and Dave Rojo jeered on the title as a consoling gesture.
“Pampalubag-loob, ano ba ‘yan ( What’s that for, appeasement?),” asked Tapalla.
“Anubayan? Nalito ako. Akala ko, from being Miss Philippines, naging Miss USA si Chelsea. I had to do a double check. Miss U Asia pala. Does it mean meron ding Miss U Europe? Sino? Umayos nga kayo (What gives? I am confused. I thought Chelsea became Miss USA. Oh, she’s Miss U Asia, after all. Do they have Miss U Europe? Who? You have to be orderly!” taunted Rojo.
Whatever they say, though, Chelsea was pinned with the sash by the owner of Miss Universe franchise owner Anne JKN, a Thai billionaire transgender.
The other continental queens are Tatiana Calmell of Peru who represented the Americas, Chidimma Adetsina of Nigeria who represented Africa and Oceana and Matilda Wirtavuori of Finland who represented Europe and Middle East.