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Celeste Cortesi did not take home the Miss Universe crown but she brought pride to the Philippines with her beauty, style, and heart.
Shamcey Supsup, who serves as the national director for Miss Universe Philippines, wrote a touching message on Instagram celebrating Cortesi’s stint at the global pageant.
Supsup began, “you fought bravely to raise the Filipino flag on that stage and what truly matters is that you gave it your all and made your country proud.”
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She added, “this experience is truly a lesson in humility. It is a way to remind all of us to stay grounded for we are all created equal.”
The national director went on to describe the true essence of the pageant: “the new era of Miss Universe cemented its thrust on breaking stereotypes and embracing diversity. Apart from the glitz and glamour, we are again reminded of the true essence of this platform.”
Supsup ended her message with, “our work continues, to be a venue for women to find a purpose larger than themselves and to use their collective voices to create an unstoppable force for GOOD.”
Celeste Cortesi at the Miss Universe
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Cortesi did not make it to the top 16 of the pageant.
She did, however, make her mark at the preliminary competition and national costume show.
Cortesi stunned in a pink two-piece number during the swimsuit portion and a sky-blue dress designed by Oliver Tolentino in the evening gown segment.
She wore a Darna-inspired look during the national costume competition. This won the support of the family of Mars Ravelo, who is the co-creator of the superhero.
Fast facts
Cortesi is a 25-year-old Filipino-Italian model. She has a Filipino mother and an Italian father and was born on December 15, 1997, in Rome, Italy. The Miss Universe Philippines is not her first win. She was also crowned Miss Philippines Earth 2018. Cortesi has modeled for fashion shows both in Italy and the Philippines.
The Miss Universe pageant was held on January 14, 2023, at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center in Louisiana, USA.
Miss USA R’Bonney Gabriel was crowned Miss Universe 2022.
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