In an unexpected twist, the Philippines’ skin whitening industry, long a titan of the beauty market, has reported a drastic decline in sales after last Wednesday’s crowning of Chelsea Manalo, the first half-Black Filipina to win Miss Universe Philippines. 

As the country celebrates its new beauty queen, operators of tanning salons have been overwhelmed by a surge in customers seeking the radiant, sun-kissed complexion epitomized by Manalo.

“We’re struggling to meet demand,” said one overwhelmed tanning salon owner. “It’s like everyone suddenly realized melanin is in vogue.”

Meanwhile, skin whitening product manufacturers are scratching their heads. “We never saw this coming,” admitted one executive. “Who knew self-acceptance could be so bad for business?”

As Filipinos flock to tanning salons, experts predict a cultural shift. The beauty industry, ever adaptable, is already launching new campaigns celebrating “bronze is beautiful.”