SYLVIA Celeste Rabimbi Cortesi, a 24-year-old, 5-foot-8 model representing Pasay City, bested a field of 32 finalists from all over the country to win as Miss Universe Philippines 2022 in glittering rites at the star-studded finals held at SM Mall of Asia Arena last night.
Cortesi, who temporarily set aside her studies in order to obtain her license as a real estate broker, was crowned by her predecessor Beatriz Luigi Gomez, who was a top 5 finalist at the 70th Miss Universe Pageant held in Eilat, Israel last year.
The reigning Miss Universe, Haarnaz Sandhu from India assisted in the awarding rites aside from sitting in the panel of judges.
Three former Miss Universe titlists – Pia Wurtzbach (2015), Iris Mittenaere (2016) and Demi-Leigh Tebow (2017) – hosted the 3-hour show that also featured entertainment from world-class artist headed by Bamboo.
Aside from the top crown, Celeste was also adjudged as Miss Photogenic and Best in Swimsuit in addition to 2 other corporate awards.
Cortesi, born in Pasay to an Italian father who was born in Venezuela and a Filipino mother from Camarines Sur, grew up in Rome and returned to the Philippines five years ago to train for the 2018 Miss Philippines Earth and eventually won the top crown, representing the Filipino community of Rome, Italy. She went on to compete for Miss Earth, the global version of the environmental advocacy-driven tilt and made it as a top 8 finalist.
Celeste will now step up her training and aim for the country’s 5th Miss Universe crown to be held later this year at a still undisclosed venue.
