"Sobrang happy ko dun sa closed-door interview."

These were the words of Miss Universe Philippines Chelsea Manalo when asked to describe her performance for the closed door interview of the pageant.

"They finally now know my personality, they know now my character, my intentions and what my intentions are beyond the crown," she said in an interview with Dyan Castillejo of ABS-CBN News.

The beauty queen relayed that the questions asked were more about knowing her personality. "Actually 'yung mga tinanong sa akin is more of personal questions, about who you are. They wanna know your personality more than of being having that crown. It's beyond the crown that they want to know who can be that next Miss Universe," she said.

What did she tell them about her personality? "About who I am as a Filipina. I think it is more than enough for them to know the power that we have as Filipina woman to finally win the next Miss Universe crown."

Chelsea will be competing at the 73rd Miss Universe preliminary and national costume competition on November 14 at the Arena CDMX in Mexico.

Ahead of the preliminary competition, Chelsea took to social media, sharing her mindset leading to the competition.  

"Feeling fired up and determined to give my best after seeing the first Filipino-crafted Miss Universe crown up close! 👑✨💫" she said.

The Filipino beauty queen added: "Not exactly 377 steps over five years, but I, too, was years in the making. Hearing the story behind the creation of the Light of Infinity crown yesterday, I’m reminded of all the people who pushed and supported me to be who I am today. This isn’t just my fight—it’s ours. ❤️"

Chelsea will compete in the coronation night of Miss Universe on November 16 at the same venue.

The beauty queen also previously took to social media as she shared her reflection on her representing women of color as Miss Universe Philippines.

"To be the first woman with darker skin to wear the Miss Universe Philippines crown is more than a personal achievement—it’s a celebration of diversity, resilience, and self-acceptance," she wrote.

READ: Chelsea Manalo reflects on representing women of color as Miss Universe Philippines

Chelsea remarked that her Miss Universe Philippines title is dedicated to everyone who feels underrepresented.

"This crown is not just for me, but for every person who has felt unseen, unheard, or underestimated. May my journey remind you that our uniqueness is our power, and self-love is our foundation," she stated.

Chelsea went on: "To anyone who has ever doubted the beauty within them—keep pushing forward. Know that you, too, have the strength to break boundaries, to redefine beauty, and to inspire others along the way. Let’s continue to build a world where all shades, all voices, and all dreams are celebrated. ✨🌍"