She overcame bullying. - Chelsea used to be bullied for her skin color and hair type. She said, 'I grew up having insecurities as I was always bullied for my skin and hair type. My self-confidence became poor and I started to become indifferent. But I did not let this shed my own light. I have a strong support system.' Her mother has consistently boosted her confidence growing up, always telling her to believe in herself no matter what. Look at where she is now: the queen is on her way to conquer the universe! @themissuniverseph
The best advice she received from her mother was... - ...to believe in herself. During the preliminary interviews, she was asked how her experience from being bullied impacted her life and growth. She said that her mother inspired her to come out of her shell. Her mother likewise told her that if she herself doesn't know what she wants or what she aspires to be, people won't also know what she stands for. With these in mind, she grew up to be independent and was even able to provide for herself in college.@sevenbarretto
She is a professional model and isn't a pageant newbie. - She started modeling at 14 for print ads and commercials, and has been joining pageants since she was in high school. As a model, she even graced the pages of Metro Magazine. In the pageant scene, she previously joined Miss World Philippines 2017 and reached the Top 15 of the competition.@sevenbarretto
She loves music and enjoys dancing. - During the preliminary interviews, Chelsea talked about her love for music and dancing, saying, 'I love anything that makes me dance. I'm that type of person that, you know, would love to just have fun, laugh around. And this morning, it's so funny because I listened to our song, 'Sultan Kudarat.' It was our Tourism song when we were in Sultan Kudarat because it just has a really fun vibe to it. And this morning, I told myself I just want to have fun. I want to be myself. I want to do and listen to the things that I want. So, listening to that kind of helped me boost my confidence here.'@sevenbarretto
She's a Tourism graduate. - And in her Tourism video for Miss Universe Philippines 2024, she encapsulated perfectly what makes Bulacan, the province she represents, worth visiting. She said, 'The great province of Bulacan and its Bulakenyos are anchored in rich history and strong faith.' @ryanagustin___
She's an advocate for the education of youth. - Specifically, she champions indigenous youth education. When asked why she should be the next Miss Universe Philippines, Chelsea highlighted her advocacy of youth empowerment, saying, 'I know I'm the next Miss Universe Philippines because I have that heart. I have the relatability to be influential to a lot of people with the voice, with the action that I am most passionate about. It is truly education for the youth, you know, this is what I really want to pursue. If I could be that Miss Universe, it will open so many opportunities for me so that I can be a change for our nation.'@sevenbarretto
She describes herself as outgoing. - Chelsea said, 'I think many tend to see me as a very introvert person because of how I look physically. But if they get to know more about me, being in front of many crowd or when you get to become my friend, you get to know my personality more.'@sevenbarretto
If she could change something about herself, she said it would be... - ...well, although it's not something she would want to actually change, Chelsea wants her generosity to not be seen as a weakness but rather a strength. 'I've always been a person who would like to give out a lot. Sometimes many take advantage of it, and I hope it's not something to be seen as my weakness but also my strength,' she said.@sevenbarretto
Scuba diving tops her bucket list. - Chelsea shared, 'I've always wanted to scuba dive. I am always an island girl. I love going to the beach but I've never tried to scuba dive. So, I hope there's a chance soon that I can be able to do this.'@sevenbarretto
Her parents are with her every step of her pageant journey. - Chelsea was born to a Filipino mother and a black American father. Her parents separated in 2000 and her mother got married again to a Filipino. 'My mother and my dad, they have supported me in everything that I want. They have never told me to not chase for my dreams and when I told them that it was about time for me to join Miss Universe Philippines, they were all supportive. They were the most supportive actually. And I know that even though this day, they're still with me ever since the beginning, they have been there. My mom and my dad were my personal assistants. They were my stylists. They were even my makeup and hairstylists. I know my dad has been there and I love it because, you know, despite everything, the challenges that will come my way, I know that they will be there,' she told Miss Universe Philippines during the preliminary interviews.@sevenbarretto
