Who Is Celeste Cortesi, Philippines’ Miss Universe Bet for 2022

Silvia Celeste Rabimbi Cortesi or simply, Celeste Cortesi (pronounced as che-leste), has become the talk of the town after being crowned as Miss Universe Philippines 2022.

She will represent the country in the 71st Miss Universe pageant to be held in New Orleans, United States on Jan. 14, 2023. Aside from the major crown, she also took home special awards, including Best in Swimsuit and Miss Photogenic.

But more than slaying the runway, Celeste is a passionate individual who is defying beauty conventions and dedicating her life to advocacies. Let’s get to know more about the Philippines’ Miss Universe bet this year!

Multicultural Household

Cortesi had a multiethnic upbringing, as she was born in Pasay and then relocated to Rome, Italy when she was 11 years old. After her father passed away, she returned to the Philippines.

Thanks to her mother's encouragement, Cortesi entered beauty pageants and earned the title of Miss Philippines Earth-Italy in Rome. During the Miss Earth pageant in 2018, she finished eighth in the competition.

Indigenous Peoples Advocacy for Land Rights 

In an exclusive interview with The Qrown Philippines on Feb. 22, Cortesi talked about her advocacy for indigenous people. This was part of her effort to learn more about her Filipina heritage. She’s also pursuing her real estate license.

“I want to go to places in the Philippines and experience their culture. And I would also bring more awareness [of] their land rights because as a real estate agent, I also want to do that. I also want

to teach people and help them be more aware of the small groups here in the Philippines that are sometimes not heard or seen enough by the community."

Animal Lover

The Filipino-Italian model and beauty queen is also a dog lover. In her Instagram highlights, she shared some adorable moments with a furry friend. She owns a French bulldog named Dolce and a cat named Chanel.

Pretty Tattoo Collection

Aside from her ethereal beauty, Cortesi has a growing tattoo collection as shown in her bikini beach photos on Instagram.

Cortesi has a flower tattoo on her bikini area, an arrow ink on her chest, a floral tattoo on her lower leg, a feather tattoo on her collarbone, a palm tree tattoo on her left thigh, and her fur baby Dolce on her inner forearm. 

According to her interview with Cosmopolitan PH on May 15, she also has a tattoo on the side of her right wrist written in Viking language which means, "If you want change, you have to invite chaos" in English translation.