MUPH defended Chelsea Manalo against a negative comment
A pageant vlogger apologized after Chelsea Manalo was defended by the Miss Universe Philippines Organization.
Chelsea represented the Philippines in the Miss Universe 2024 pageant. The beauty queen from Bulacan received support from Pinoy pageant fans and former queens. Although she was not able to continue her journey after the Top 30 finalists were announced, Chelsea was named as the first Miss Universe Asia.
After the coronation night, a video of pageant vlogger Adam Genato circulated on social media in which he said that if MUPH sent candidates like Ahtisa Manalo and Christi McGarry for the Miss Universe 2024, there was a big chance that they would win.
Then, Adam pointed out that MUO made Miss Denmark win the pageant because she is “Barbie-looking.” He even asked the viewers who was the closest “Barbie-looking” candidate in the last local pageant.
Ahtisa was the MUPH 2024 second runner-up. She competed for the first Miss Cosmo and was hailed as one of the Top 10 finalists. Christi was the fourth runner-up in this national pageant competition.
This was criticized by pageant fans, especially the fans of Chelsea. MUPH also defended the Pinay beauty queen. The pageant organization condemned Adam’s statement. “We do not tolerate bullying and irresponsible vlogging especially from an accredited MUPh media partner whom we have welcomed in our events,” MUPH stated.
The pageant organization also stressed that vloggers or content creators featuring pageant content should be “guided by respect, responsibility and decency.”
After he was called out, Adam Genato apologized. He said that he realized the gravity of what he said previously. “Chelsea, I’m really really sorry,” he said, adding that it was never his intention to hurt her and her team.
Adam also explained that when a netizen asked that question about the candidate who he sees should represent the Philippines next year, he just answered right after.
“I realize now I should have been more diplomatic and tactful with my choice of words. It is only now that I am realizing the impact of my words to you, to your team, and everyone else,” the pageant vlogger said. Adam Genato also apologized to the Miss Universe Philippines Organization.