Celeste Cortesi

 Miss Philippines gears up for New Orleans finals

By Earl D.C. Bracamonte 

The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) has opened the online poll for the 71st pageant edition. Reigning Miss Universe Philippines Silvia Celeste Cortesi's headshot stands out from among the 79 delegates who are officially on the 2022 roster. This early, she is one of ten candidates chosen by fan pages as their favorite frontrunners.

Celeste and her team will be leaving for the United States by mid-December in preparation for the finals in January. Several pasarela training videos of her have surfaced online - and all have showed her in tip-top shape.

In a recorded session with Miss Universe Philippines creative director, Celeste is seen slaying the studio's marked walkways with ease. Her dexterity on the runway is on point. Her much improved pasarela showed great footwork, effortlessly executed fast twirls, as well as polished poses. She's one tough act to follow!

Aside from her pasarela training, she's also immersed herself in Q & A sessions with her team, as well as reach out to beneficiaries through her initiatives and advocacy with the MUPh organization.

"It is only by realizing that everything is interconnected that we are reminded of how our actions can make a big impact," said the Fil-Italian beauty queen while visiting local communities in Lanao del Sur for the Life Changer for Children Program.

Celeste, and her queen sisters, visited in order to give and extend support for children, along with their families and communities, who were most impacted by poverty, inequality, discrimination, and lack of access to basic needs.

"The path to the Universe is not easy but it can be fun, exciting, and hopeful," she added. Should the stars align in her favor, Celeste will join the ranks of former titleholders Gloria Diaz (1969), Margarita Moran (1973), Pia Wurtzbach (2015), and Catriona Gray (2018).

To vote for Celeste, simply download the Miss Universe app. Go to the Vote tab, and vote for Miss Philippines.

The 71st Miss Universe edition unfolds on January 14 (January 15, Manila time) from New Orleans, Louisiana (NOLA). Stay tuned!