Celeste Cortesi pens heartfelt letter after Miss Universe: ‘Forever your Miss Philippines’

Celeste Cortesi is finally back in the Philippines after competing in Miss Universe 2022, and she took to Instagram to share some reflections and emotional messages of thanks.

Sharing an artwork of herself in her superhero national costume, the beauty queen said "the entire year has been the most challenging, and yet most exciting time of my life."

“To represent my country, The Philippines, is my greatest honor,” she said.

Celeste looked back on her journey, saying how she accepted a challenge and stepped out of her comfort zone to fly to the Philippines alone as a young woman.

“I’ve always had the burning passion for my country, I was always very curious about The Philippines with its Islands, People and Culture and I will continue the pursuit of my Filipina Identity,” she said.

Celeste added, “I’ve always known by heart that there are NO limits in what you can achieve as long as you are committed to the vision and your intentions are pure, as I have done by pushing myself beyond my limits in the services of my advocacies, training, and learning.”

She also said that she is still discovering purposes that go “beyond my [self-ambitions.]”

“I now believe that my purpose is to inspire, and I will NEVER stop inspiring and motivating all of you, with or without the Universe Crown. I am committed,” she added.

Celeste said that she is so grateful to represent the country to pageant fans around the world. She also thanked everyone who believes in her, which includes her team, fans, family, and loved ones.

“To my country, I stand PROUD to be a Filipina,” Celeste said.

She then thanked her late father, who was the inspiration behind her evening gown.

“To my father, you guided me up to this day, you still are and will always do. I feel your protection,” she said. “If you are redirecting me to a different path, to what is truly meant for me, I trust you and I know I still am in the right place at the right time. Thank you, my guardian angel.”

Celeste signed her letter, “Forever your Miss Philippines.”

Celeste bowed out early of the Miss Universe 2022 pageant, held on January 15 in New Orleans. It was the first time since 2009 that the Philippines’ bet did not make it to the semifinals.

R’bonney Gabriel, who represented the USA, was crowned Miss Universe and is the first Filipino-American queen to have the title.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by CELESTE CORTESI ???? (@celeste_cortesi)

—Nika Roque/JCB, GMA Integrated News