Celeste Cortesi (left) and Michelle Dee. Images: Instagram/@meetkeso via @celeste_cortesi, Instagram/@themissuniverseph
Celeste Cortesi has faith that Michelle Dee will take home the Philippines’ fifth Miss Universe crown in the upcoming pageant that will take place in El Salvador in November.
Cortesi expressed her support for the crossover beauty queen during a brief interview with reporters at the Preview Ball black carpet.
“Of course, I believe in her. You know that she’s been preparing so hard since we were batchmates. I really believe in her,” she said when asked about Dee’s upcoming participation in the global tilt. Dee was named as Miss Universe Philippines Tourism during the Filipina-Italian stunner’s coronation in 2022.
The Kapuso star then advised Dee to “believe in herself” in the upcoming pageant, as she hoped that the Miss Universe title would be back in the country’s hands.
“I think she just needs to believe in herself and just have fun during the competition,” she said. “For me, I would be more than happy to finally see the Philippines winning Miss Universe. Good luck to her.”
Comfort is key
Cortesi, who was wearing a sexy Chris Nick halter gown during the event, told entertainment media that while she “can wear anything,” she prefers to stay “comfortable during her off-days.”
“I can wear anything. But on a regular day, I would wear sneakers and a hoodie and jeans. I want to be very comfortable,” she said.
“I know you see me as very glam but in my everyday life, when I’m not wearing all of this, I would rather wear my sneakers and hoodies. I just want to be comfortable,” she added. /ra