Why Celeste Cortesi is Miss Universe Philippines 2022

Miss Pasay Celeste Cortesi lived up to expectations when she clinched the 2022 Miss Universe Philippines crown and the right to represent our country in the next Miss Universe competition. 

The victory was a sweet redemption for Celeste who had a troubled reign as Miss Earth Philippines back in 2018. And everybody can relate with second chances. 

She has obviously learned from that experience and she arrived strong and ready for the MUPH 2022 competition. 

All the hard work paid off and right from the onset, she had been doing well and always placed in the early MUPH challenges. 

The day before the coronation night at the MOA, majority of pageant websites & experts had already picked her as the girl to beat and was number one at most prediction lists. 

Her victory was met with approval by most pageant fans and she is expected to continue the country's 12 consecutive placements in Miss Universe. 

FINAL Q & A

Her final answer may have been simple, short and sweet but it was endearing, candid and very relatable especially given the context of her stay here. 

The longing of a child for a mother or a father is a powerful universal emotion that resonated and which everyone can relate with.

Makati's final answer wasn't too impactful. She lost her momentum at the crucial make or break wringer but you can never ignore her stage presence. She really stood out.  

Misamis Oriental was very fluid in her thought process & delivery but she wasn't able to wrap up her response when she paused at the end. 

Taguig who was consistently in the top three during the entire duration of the competition, along with Pasay and Makati, tumbled to fifth place after a lackluster answer in the final round. 

Bohol, my sentimental favorite, should  have gotten the crown if  we base it on her final Q & A. It had depth and she connected it with her struggles but just like any contest where a higher competition awaits the winner, the panel always puts into consideration the girl's overall performance & the physical aesthetics. 

For one heartstoppjng moment, most Boholanos thought she had it in the bag but it wasn't meant to be. Nevertheless, it was a very proud moment for Bohol. 

Her Miss Universe Philippines- Charity title is a huge achievement already and is in fact a notch higher from her first attempt for the MUPH crown two years ago. 

Knowing Pauline, a very popular personality in Bohol, she will be using her title to actively pursue her advocacies for the less privileged.

INTERESTING TRIVIA

Past titleholders Rabiya Mateo, the inaugural MUPH winner and Bea Luigi Gomez share one thing in common with Celeste Cortesi. 

All three won the Best in Swimsuit special award. 

This confirms my belief that after all the rebranding, and all the talk about advocacy and empowered women talk, Miss Universe Philippines is still a beauty competition. 

If the competition was purely on communication skills, then Albay and Cebu City should have been in the final five. 

With so many beautiful and articulate girls in this year's edition who had to slug it out for only five final spots and ultimately one crown only, two or three favorites not making it was bound to happen. 

And as for winning the title, it's not only about beauty or eloquence, it's also a matter of destiny, timing and luck. 

Just my thoughts.