Celeste Cortesi honors her parents with her Miss Universe PH 2022 win: 'The strength I got from them is indescribable'
Newly crowned queen Celeste Cortesi shared about how she drew inspiration from her parents during the Miss Universe Philippines 2022 journey.
The Pasay beauty described her mom and dad as her source of strength during the coronation night on April 30.
"As I was walking on that beautiful stage, all I was thinking was my mom and dad," she wrote on Instagram on May 1. "The strength I got from them is indescribable."
During the Q&A segment of the night, Cortesi said she would spend more time with her family in Italy if she could stop time for a day.
The 24-year-old moved to the Philippines from Italy in 2018 and won the national Miss Earth title in the same year.
"I’ve worked so hard for this, I’ve prepared. And I let God do the rest knowing that whatever is meant for me will never pass me by," she said.
"I’ve grown so much since I came to the Philippines five years ago and I really promised myself that I would only join a pageant when I am ready to take on the responsibility of a crown, and I am now," the beauty queen continued.
Coming in as a crowd favorite, Cortesi described her Miss Universe Philippines win as her "second chance" and that she is "beyond honored and grateful" to be representing the country on the international Miss Universe stage.
"I hope that with my story, I can inspire so many to never give up on their dreams because through hard work, perseverance, and faith, you can achieve anything you want," she added.
On May 2, Cortesi posted her mom's reaction to her win, which showed the latter in tears and wearing a crown.
"Far from each other, but always connected. To make you proud is the greatest fulfillment of my life," she shared.
All hail the new crowned queen
Fellow beauty queens Pia Wurtzbach, Catriona Gray, Rabiya Mateo, Gazini Ganados, and MJ Lastimosa congratulated Cortesi for her win.
"The dedication you displayed throughout the competition is inspiring. Continue trusting in the magic of your hard work. Congratulations and I wish you all the best in your journey," wrote Wurtzbach on Instagram.
"Congratulations Celeste! Welcome to the sisterhood!!" tweeted Gray.
"Ang masasabi ko lang tuloy ang lavarn sa Miss Universe dahil kabogera ang darating na Miss Philippines. Congratulations to our new sis Celeste Cortesi (in Italian accent) the new #MissUniversePhilippines2022," said Lastimosa.
"Congrats Babe!!! All love," wrote Mateo.
"Yas Queen!!" said Ganados.