Celeste Cortesi says she discovered 'sisterhood' at Miss U PH 2022
It's been a few days since Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi won her crown (), and now the beauty queen has had a chance to reflect on her successful run.
In the latest post on her Instagram account, Celeste recalled the self-doubt she felt before joining the Miss Universe pageant. According to her, there were people around her who dismissed her as not being Filipina enough for the competition nor someone capable of speaking up.
However, rather than let that bring her down, Celeste says she persevered and trained tirelessly for Miss Universe Philippines. When she got in as part of the contestants, she put in the work during the pageant, even discovering the gift of “sisterhood.” According to her, the relationships she's developed with these “empowered women” are something she will cherish for the rest of her life.
That sisterly bond is certainly reciprocated by the other queens. Beatrice Luigi Gomez, the previous Miss Universe Philippines, wrote on her Instagram account that she is “tremendously proud” of Celeste and that she is confident that she will perform well in the upcoming 71st Miss Universe pageant.
Michelle Dee, who is part of Celeste's court as Miss Universe Philippines Tourism, also had nothing but nice words for Celeste. In her post looking back on her Miss Universe Philippines run, Michelle said that Celeste's win was “well-deserved” and that she is “a true friend.”
Meanwhile, check out Celeste and the rest of her Miss Universe Philippines court in the gallery below.