Why did Celeste Cortesi dress up as a Filipina superhero for her Miss Universe national costume?

Celeste Cortesi just took the Filipino superhero fantasy to the Miss Universe international stage!

During the National Costume Competition held on Thursday, the beauty queen flaunted a Darna-inspired ensemble to symbolize kindness, empathy, and empowerment.

According to the Miss Universe Philippines organization, Celeste channeled this iconic Filipina superhero because of her fierceness against injustices.

Oliver Tolentino designed Celeste's national costume, while the headpiece and accessories were by Jerome Navarro.

During swimsuit prelims, Celeste strutted down the catwalk in a hot pink bikini featuring a symbolic white cape with hand prints , highlighting her experience in "visiting the youth and their families during the Save the Children Philippines outreach in Marawi."

On the other hand, Celeste wore a sky-blue figure-hugging gown during the long gown preliminaries, inspired by a poem written by her dad .

The 71st Miss Universe grand coronation night is set on January 14 at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center in Louisiana.

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