From Miss Earth PH to Miss U PH: Who is Celeste Cortesi, Miss Universe Philippines 2022?
Celeste Cortesi of Pasay City, who bagged the highly coveted crown at the Miss Universe Philippines 2022, is no stranger to the pageant scene.
She reigned supreme at the Miss Earth Philippines in 2018 and represented the country on the global stage in the same year for Miss Earth, where she managed to make it to the Top 8.
In March 2018, she arrived in the Philippines by herself for the first time ever and “discovered a wonderful country and countrymen.”
“I came here with a little knowledge of the language and it was so difficult, even now I know that I have a lot to learn but I will do my best effort,” she said in an Instagram post about her Miss Earth Philippines win four years ago.
“I want to say thanks to my mother, she introduced me the part of being Filipina, which for a long time I ignored and I felt sorry for it,” she added.
Since she has developed a heavy Italian accent and doesn’t speak Tagalog fluently, some were quick to question her being a Filipina. But in a previous interview, she stressed that the things that make her a true Pinay “are the values that my Filipino mom always have taught me throughout my journey here.”
In a quick get-to-know chat at the MUPH pageant with past Miss Universe titleholder Pia Wurtzbach, the Filipina-Italian model was asked about her best Filipino and Italian traits. “If there is something that I can say that is in common with Italian heritage and Filipino heritage, it’s that we are strong women and we always value family,” she answered. “If there is something that my mom always taught me, is to be grateful for your family, for your loved ones, and the people around you, because when you’re grateful and kind, people will be kind as well and grateful for you.”
Her love for her family also became evident in her answer during the final Q&A segment, where she was asked: “If you could stop time for a day, how would you spend it?”
“If I could stop time, I would spend it with my family, especially my mother. It’s been two years that I don’t see my family because they live in Italy. I came to the Philippines just by myself, so if I had a chance to spend one day, I will definitely be with my mom and I would just tell her how much I love her and I miss her,” she said.
When she’s not busy with a beauty pageant or a modeling gig, she spends her time studying to become a real estate agent. In between her multiple hats, she meditates, breaks a sweat, bonds with her dog, and enjoys a beach vacation.
Celeste was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2022 on Saturday, April 30. She is set to represent the country in the 71st Miss Universe pageant.
