Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Manalo had a unique look during Gilas Pilipinas' FIBA Asia Cup send-off game against Macau: support her national team while still cheering for her partner, Cole Micek, of the opposing Black Bears.
Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Manalo was a familiar face in the crowd at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last July 28 during Gilas Pilipinas’ send-off game for FIBA Asia Cup 2025.
Manalo was there to support her partner, Macau Black Bears’ Cole Micek.
In an interview with One Sports, the beauty queen and the athlete opened up about their relationship and how they first met.
“We met in December, in a photoshoot in LA, we were modeling when we met,” Cole and Chelsea shared on how they met each other.
Despite Micek suiting up against Gilas Pilipinas, he already knew where Manalo’s allegiance would lie. Naturally, Miss Universe Philippines was for the home team.
“She was supporting Gilas, she wanted Gilas to win. I already knew, she already told me before that she’s cheering for Gilas.”
Still, Manalo made it clear that her heart was with her partner.
“I’m cheering for him, personally, because I know how hard he plays on the court and how much effort he puts into the game but no matter what happens, it’s still for the Philippines.”
It was a tough balancing act for Manalo, torn between cheering for Micek and the national team of her home country.
“It was a good game for everybody. Medyo [torn on who to support], because as much as I love cheering for the Macau Black Bears, team Philippines pa ‘rin.”
Following the Macau Black Bears’ loss to Gilas Pilipinas, Manalo reflected on what it means to be proud of both teams, usually a rare sight with the natural intensity of the sport.
“I already know how competition works, so during this time, it’s important to just really comfort and just be proud of the other team kasi at the end of the day, you’re supporting pa rin naman ‘yung competition nila for the Philippines.”
Regardless, Chelsea’s support for Cole will always be intact.
“I already told him naman na no matter what court he plays in, as long as he puts his passion into it, he’s playing happy, and he has good energy, that’s all that matters.”
And when asked for a message to Gilas Pilipinas, the couple kept it simple and direct.
“Go Philippines, go win it. Go win the FIBA Asia Cup.”