Besting 31 other candidates with her unique beauty, wit, and passion for her advocacies, Pasay City’s Celeste Cortesi clinched the Miss Universe Philippines 2022 crown. The Filipino-Italian beauty is also now the new Miss PLDT Home titleholder.
The 24-year-old Cortesi is no stranger to pageants, after representing the Philippines at the Miss Earth competition in 2018. In this year’s competition, Cortesi showed grace, intelligence, and candor in conquering the Miss Universe Philippines stage.
“I am excited to be part of the Miss Universe Philippines Organization. I will be working with them to advance my advocacies for women’s education and protection of our country’s indigenous people and rich cultural heritage,” she said.
Besides her advocacies, Cortesi proves that she’s a queen with a uniquely beautiful heart. Throughout the Miss Universe Philippines pageant, she has been outspoken about her deep love and care for her family.
“Since I was a kid, my parents have taught me the power of gratitude and kindness for everyone I meet. I always believe that being grateful creates a ripple effect and in turn, brings the best out of people,” Cortesi shared.
The beauty queen further emphasized the importance of strong bonds with family and loved ones. In her winning answer at the final question and answer portion, she said, “If I could stop time, I would spend it with my family, especially my mother. It’s been two years since I haven’t spent time with my family because they live in Italy, and I came here in the Philippines just by myself. If I had a chance to spend one day, I would definitely be with my mom, and I would just tell her how much I love her and I miss her.”
As the newest PLDT Home Ambassador, Cortesi shows that strong connections can powerfully conquer distances. After winning the Miss Universe Philippines title, she even shared a heartwarming tribute for her mom on social media with the caption: “Far from each other, but always connected. To make you proud is the greatest fulfillment of my life.”
Joining Cortesi as this year’s Miss Universe Philippines titleholders are Miss Universe Philippines Tourism Michelle Marquez Dee, Miss Universe Philippines Charity, Pauline Cucharo Amelinckx, Miss Universe Philippines 1st runner-up Annabelle McDonnell, and Miss Universe Philippines 2nd runner-up Ma. Katrina Llegado.
PLDT Home is the official broadband partner of Miss Universe Philippines. As the fastest and most powerful internet connection in the country, PLDT Home has been enabling families—just like Cortesi’s—to do things better and to build stronger and more meaningful bonds at home.
Cortesi will represent the Philippines at the Miss Universe 2022 pageant to be held in December in San José, California.
