Family, Friends, and Faith Support Miss Universe Celeste Cortesi’ Journey

Prepare to cheer on Miss Universe Philippines Celeste Cortesi as she enters the most challenging competition of her life. On January 15, 2022, at 9 a.m., the world's most prestigious and anticipated pageant returns for its 2022 edition, and our very own competitor, concurrently named Miss PLDT Home, will be among the contestants (Philippine time).

Miss Universe honors the qualities that make each queen "uniquely beautiful." This means shining brightly as representatives of their heritage and culture and lending their voices to causes with global significance. Miss Universe's goal with this initiative is to encourage women all around the world to show the world their philanthropic sides and their inner strength.

When it comes to inner and outer beauty, Filipino candidate for Miss Universe 2022 Celeste Cortesi effortlessly personifies a queen. The PLDT Home ambassador and Filipina-Italian supermodel is an outspoken supporter of indigenous rights and the empowerment of women.

Cortesi has spoken openly about her love and devotion to her family, who have been tremendously encouraging throughout her pursuit of beauty.

“My mom always expressed her desire for me joining and becoming Miss Universe. She’s always been very supportive of me. She would always encourage and motivate me during challenging times in my competitions. She is my strength,” Cortesi told the press months before the Miss Universe pageant.

 

In April of this year, Cortesi, who was competing for the Pasay City, was crowned Miss Universe Philippines, succeeding Beatrice Luigi Gomez. She won a number of nightly honors, including Miss Photogenic and Best in Swimsuit.

Since then, Cortesi has participated in further workshops and training sessions as part of her preparation on the larger stage. She has also done a number of other public appearances and acts of charity, both large and small, that helped her win, Miss Universe.

However, Celeste acknowledged that she had encountered obstacles on her way to the spotlight. But it was the bonds with her community, which were solidified via PLDT Home, that made her more prepared than ever.

“I connect with my mother in Italy through the many social platforms available. She is constantly updated with my daily activities and whereabouts,” the 25-year-old model said. “We are so thankful for good internet connectivity because I can video-call my mother, my sister, and my best friend all the way from Italy with no interruptions. We get to catch up and see how much we’ve grown since the last time we saw each other physically.”

Cortesi, who will compete for the title of Miss Universe in New Orleans, Louisiana, has been making headlines with the stunning photos she has been posting online. She will see Olivia Culpo, Miss Universe 2012, and Emmy-winning TV personality Jeannie Mai Jenkins, Miss Universe 2018, Catriona Gray, and entertainment host Zuri Hall, commenting from the wings.

Cortesi aims to succeed India's Harnaaz Sandhu as Miss Universe and bring home the Philippines' fifth crown with the support of her family, friends, other queens, and the rest of the Filipino people. She stated she came prepared, but at this point, trust in God was the only option.

“My life story is still being written. Every day is a new page on the scripts. I expect to make my story more inspiring.”