Miss Universe Philippines Nueva Ecija (Filipino society of Melbourne) Chanel Thomas. Thomas/Instagram 

Former Miss Supranational Philippines Chanel Thomas believes that no one is "too old" to pursue a dream. 

The 34-year-old beauty is back in the pageant scene as one of the candidates of this year's Miss Universe Philippines competition. 

On Instagram, she reposted a comment on her photo by a netizen which read: "She looks old."

In her response, Thomas began by noting that the Miss Universe Organization has been welcoming women of all ages to its pageant. "Miss Universe accepts me, bakit naman hindi?" 

"Age isn't a setback; it's our power," she stressed.

Thomas went on to share that she feels "more beautiful" now at 34 compared to her younger years in pageantry, "because of my experiences that have shaped me into the woman I am today."

She then reminded her Instagram followers: "To every woman told she's 'too old' to chase a dream -- do it anyway." 

Thomas, who finished in the Top 10 of Miss Supranational 2017, is up against fellow pageant veterans as well as promising newcomers in Miss Universe Philippines 2025.

It was in 2023 when Miss Universe removed age limits for participants in its pageant and its affiliated contests. 

Previously, delegates need to be 18 to 28 years old by the start of the international competition.

Former Miss Supranational PH Chanel Thomas returns to pageant scene

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