Miss Earth PHL 2018 Celeste Cortesi is determined to learn more about her Filipino roots

Now that the crown is on her head, the real work begins for Fil-Italian beauty queen Silvia Celeste Cortesi. 

The new Miss Earth Philippines on Tuesday took to social media to express her thanks to the people who supported her, admitting that the past two months weren't exactly a walk in the park. 

With encouragement from her mother, Celeste flew to the Philippines to chase her dreams. 

"Almost 2 months ago I arrived for the first time here in the Philippines alone and I discovered a wonderful country and countrymen," Celeste said. "These two months have not been easy but I worked, I've done my best in every single day to show my self and everyone that if you want something you must struggle to obtain it, it doesn’t matter how long and hard the road is."

"I came here with a little knowledge of the language and it was so difficult, even now I know that I have a lot to learn but I will do my best effort," she added. 

Celeste said that she's been dreaming of this moment she was 16 and she's hoping to inspire more young people to keep finding ways to do what they love. 

 

Almost 2 months ago I arrived for the first time here in the Philippines alone and I discovered a wonderful country and countrymen. These two months have not been easy but I worked, I've done my best in every single day to show my self and everyone that if you want something you must struggle to obtain it, it doesn’t matter how long and hard the road is. Since I was 16 I dreamed moments like these and the opportunity to work doing what I love. I know that this is only the beginning. I came here with a little knowledge of the language and it was so difficult, even now I know that I have a lot to learn but I will do my best effort. First, I want to say thanks to my mother, she introduced me the part of being Filippina which for a long time I egnored and I felt sorry for it. Thanks to her friends who have encouraged and helped me to go on even in the darkest moments. Thanks to MPEI for giving me the opportunity, Tita Cheryl, tito Robert, the Judges & Vocals of Rome. Thanks to all the people who followed me and are still with me, your messages filled me with joy. Last but not the least, thanks to MPE and staff, to KF & familia of course for the advices and for helping me to improve my self day by day . Thank you to @paoloblanco for the wonderful dresses, I felt like a queen. Thank you @karenibasco, I’ll do my best to keep your level, even if it will be hard. Thank you for the trust & I promise you all that I will do my best to show that I really deserve this title. I am so proud to represent my country in the international final. From the bottom of my heart, thanks again ? Celeste Cortesi, Miss Earth Philippines 2018

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May 22, 2018 at 12:43am PDT

"Thank you for the trust and I promise you all that I will do my best to show that I really deserve this title. I am so proud to represent my country in the international final," Celeste said. — AT, GMA News