(UPDATE) The Philippines' Chelsea Manalo sat down with ABS-CBN News' Dyan Castillejo on Monday (November 18, Manila time), in her first media interview after being named Miss Universe Asia.

Manalo spoke at length about her responsibilities as one of the first continental queens of the pageant, her non-finalist finish, the crowning of Denmark's bet as Miss Universe, and what she sees in her future after pageantry.

The day after the finals, Manalo traveled from Mexico to Los Angeles, bringing with her cherished memories of the pageant.

“I’m just so happy i get to make it here in Miss Universe. Never in my wildest dreams did i think I’d get to do so. I used to be just that little girl hoping that one day i’ll be in front of that Universe stage and i did; I did my best,” Manalo said.

“I’m so happy I was with so many powerful women,” she added.

Reflecting on her journey, Manalo described the Miss Universe experience as “such an adrenaline rush,” marveling at how quickly everything unfolded.

“I think nag-add din ‘yung adrenaline to the fact na there’s 120 girls,” she said. “It was fun.”

“Yung growth as a person— nakita ko na mas matapang na ako , hindi na natatakot sa kahit anong that will come my way.”

To her fellow Filipinos, Manalo expressed heartfelt gratitude:

“Maraming, maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat—sa suportang at tiwalang ibinigay niyo sa akin. Nilaban ko kayo, at tuloy tayong lalaban. That’s how Filipinos are.”

“When I was competing in Miss Universe Philippines, wala ako ganitong kalaking suporta pero when we came in here parang mas naging doble ‘yung support mayroon ako.”

Manalp plans to spend two weeks in Los Angeles to rest and bond with her parents while remaining on standby for her duties as Miss Universe Asia.

“I’m going to make the most of this time to be with them,” she said.

Looking ahead, she’s keeping her options open, including a possible career in acting.

“I would really like to try that,” Manalo admitted.

As Miss Universe Asia, Manalo will now work closely with her fellow continental queens: Tati Calmell of Peru (Americas), Matilda Wirtavouri of Finland (Europe and the Middle East), and Chidimma Adetshina of Nigeria (Africa and Oceania).

Manalo shared that Calmell has expressed interest in visiting the Philippines soon.