(From left) Celeste Cortesi, Shamcey Supsup. Image: Facebook/Shamcey Supsup
Miss Universe Philippines (MUPh) national director Shamcey Supsup reflected on Celeste Cortesi’s early departure from the Miss Universe pageant after the latter failed to advance to the semi final round, saying it was a “lesson in humility.”
Cortesi’s early elimination from the pageant’s also brought to a close the Philippines’ 12-year streak of being in the semifinal round of the pageant, to the heartbreak of Filipino pageant followers and fans. This, despite the Filipina-Italian lass being named one of the frontrunners for the crown, alongside first runner-up Amanda Dudamel of Venezuela and Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Gabriel of the USA.
Supsup, who was named as Miss Universe 2011 third runner-up, reflected on this development as she addressed Celeste on her personal Facebook account on Monday, Jan. 16.
“[Celeste], you fought bravely to raise the Filipino flag on that stage and what truly matters is that you gave it your all and made your country proud,” she said. “This experience is truly a lesson in humility. It is a way to remind all of us to stay grounded for we are all created equal.”
Supsup also revealed that the MUPh organization was “reminded of the true essence” of Miss Universe Organization (MUO)’s new era under the leadership of Thai business mogul Anne Jakrajutatip.
“The new era of Miss Universe cemented its thrust on breaking stereotypes and embracing diversity. Apart from the glitz and glamor, we are again reminded of the true essence of this platform,” she added.
Despite Cortesi’s loss, the MUPh national director said the organization’s work in uplifting women will carry on.
“Our work continues to be a venue for women to find a purpose larger than themselves and to use their collective voices to create an unstoppable force for GOOD,” she said.
Cortesi has yet to issue a personal statement about her Miss Universe journey, but it seemed that she’s coping well with her loss after posting a note on “happiness” on social media.
As of this writing, the Philippines has four Miss Universe titleholders including Gloria Diaz (1969), Margarita Moran (1973), Pia Wurtzbach (2015), and Catriona Gray (2018). Meanwhile, R’Bonney Gabriel of the USA made history as the first Filipina-American to win the title. EDV