CEBU, Philippines — Celeste Cortesi’s start in pageantry had been marred with controversy, and later on, she would be known to avid Pinoy pageant followers for supposedly not ending things well with the Miss Philippines Earth organization, which crowned her its winner in 2018.
When the Filipina-Italian won the right to represent the Filipino community in Italy at Miss Philippines Earth four years ago, reports indicate that a few of her fellowmen in Rome protested her selection. They felt a video of her teaching a non-Italian speaking man vulgar terms in Italian was unbecoming of a beauty queen.
Despite that, she was named Miss Philippines Earth 2018 and the Best in Swimsuit – the same major award she would receive at Saturday evening’s Miss Universe Philippines 2022 coronation at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The MOA Arena is familiar ground to the 24-year-old – it was also where the 18th edition of the Miss Earth finals was held wherein she finished among the Top 8.
When Cortesi did not show up in 2019 to crown her Miss Philippines Earth successor, she blamed it on a bad case of allergy and a doctor’s advice to skip the event. But industry insiders and pageant fans found the excuse flimsy. Since then, Cortesi would be referred to in pageant forums and blogs as that “diva” beauty queen with an “attitude” that needed repairing.
With her heavily predicted victory Saturday and the loud cheers heard each time she stepped out on stage, Cortesi seemed to have redeemed herself in the eyes of – though not all – pageant aficionados who approve of her as the Philippines’ bet to the 71st Miss Universe.
The Italy-raised Cortesi, who has only been in the Philippines in the last five years, represented Pasay City at MUP 2022, where she bested 30 other finalists including former Miss World Philippines and Reina Hispanoamericana titlists.
Asked by host Pia Wurtzbach during the Q&A for the Top 5 how she would spend it if she could stop time for a day, Cortesi answered, “If I could stop time, I will spend it with my family, especially my mother. It’s been two years since I didn’t see my family because they live in Italy and I came here in the Philippines just by myself. So if I had a chance to spend one day, I would definitely be with my mom. And will tell her how much I love her and miss her.”
Cortesi was also chosen Miss Photogenic and Best in Swimsuit, the latter award also won by previous Miss Universe Philippines winners Rabiya Mateo of Iloilo City, and Beatrice Luigi Gomez of Cebu City.
In a social media post Sunday, Cortesi wrote: “Yesterday, as I was walking on that beautiful stage all I was thinking was my mom and dad. The strength I got from them is indescribable. 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.”
“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.”
She added, “Yesterday, I’ve received my second chance and I am beyond honored and grateful to be able to represent my country in the Miss Universe stage. I hope that with my story I can inspire so many to never give up on their dreams because thru hard work, perseverance and faith you can achieve anything you want.”
Cortesi, who was formerly linked to game show host Willie Revillame and had dated actor Joseph Marco, is currently in a relationship with Filipino-British Philippine football team member Matthew Custodio.
Composing the Top 5 are Miss Universe Philippines Tourism Michelle Marquez Dee (Best in Evening Gown) of Makati, Miss Universe Philippines Charity Pauline Amelinckx of Bohol, first runner-up Annabelle MacDonnell of Misamis Oriental, and second runner-up Katrina Llegado of Taguig.
Cebu City’s Chantal Elise Schmidt and Cebu Province’s Lou Dominique Piczon finished among the Top 10 finalists.