Celeste Cortesi Archives

Shots taken: Don Julio takes over Manila’s hottest party spots

BY JOSE PAOLO S. DELA CRUZ Luxury tequila brand Don Julio hosted a series of parties for this year’s Cinco de Mayo celebrations, where guests enjoyed an unparalleled experience infused with the rich heritage and craftsmanship of Don Julio 1942. DJ NixDamnP And since Don Julio was playing host, the…

Seeing life through rose-colored glasses starts with wearing the right undies

La Vie en Rose, which literally means “life in pink,” has served as an inspiration for countless creative pursuits, including marketing as seen in the latest Canadian brand – a leading name in women’s underwear, sleepwear and swimwear -- to establish shop and open its second store in Manila. By…

Half-Filipino, half-American from Texas is new Miss Universe

R’Bonney Gabriel, a fashion designer and the daughter of a Filipino-American father and an American mother, won over 83 other women from all over the universe. Luck, however, eluded the Philippines’ Celeste Cortesi, whose failure to make it to the finals marked the end of the country’s 12-year placement streak…

Celeste Cortesi’s secret weapon: “Know thyself!”

How many times have certain people told you or made you feel “no, you can’t” or “no, you can’t do it” because you’re not good enough? Too many to mention? Well, cheer up! Celeste knows where you’re coming from because she’s been there before. That's why her authenticity and “transformational”…

PeopleAsia’s “Women of Style and Substance” reign on a “perfect 10.10”

BY JOSE PAOLO S. DELA CRUZ/ Photos by RENJIE TOLENTINO Eleven “Women of Style and Substance” awardees made October 10 a perfect 10, as PeopleAsia honored women who break the glass ceiling in a glittering awards night at the Grand Ballroom of Okada Manila. PeopleAsia's "Women of Style & Substance…

Princess diaries, queenly gambits and happily-ever-after looks

Three of the country’s most photographed women today—beauty queens Rabiya, Bea and Celeste—step into a new universe, as Renaissance photographer BJ Pascual captures them in a totally different light as Disney princesses wearing the latest ingenue-inspired makeup collection from BYS. It’s not exactly a demotion when queens turn into princesses…

Half-Filipino, half-Italian pageant veteran Celeste Cortesi wins Miss Universe Philippines 2022

Speaking in Italian-accented English, the endearing 24-year old stunner charmed judges with her emphasis on the importance of family, which she relishes and credits to her Filipino and Italian roots. She also shared with the audience how she misses her Italy-based Filipino mother, whom she hasn’t seen in person for…