Celeste Cortesi says she’s ‘done’ with pageantry: ‘It’s not for me’

Celeste Cortesi. Image: Gypsy X via Instagram/@celeste_cortesi

Celeste Cortesi confirmed that she has already closed her doors to pageantry for good, pointing out that she “already given it all” in her past attempt at the Miss Universe 2022 tilt.

Cortesi made the revelation on the sidelines of the “Walang Matigas na Pulis sa Matinik na Misis” mediacon, per Bandera, when asked if she’s open to rejoining Miss Universe Philippines or other national pageants.

“Ayaw ko na sa beauty pageant, I’m done with beauty pageants. Tapos na ako roon (I don’t want to join beauty pageants anymore. I’m done with beauty pageants. I’m through that),” she said.

The beauty queen-turned-actress said she would instead focus on acting. “As of now, I wouldn’t do it again (pageantry). I know it’s not for me. Finally, I have something I can work at, [and] that’s acting.”

“Closed na. I think I have already [given] it all. I had such an amazing experience. I had the chance to meet wonderful people, and I think that’s enough for me,” she continued.

Cortesi is among the beauty queens who made a successful crossover attempt from Miss Earth to Miss Universe in the national tilt. She represented the Philippines in Miss Earth 2018 where she ended at the Top 8, while Vietnam’s Nguyen Phuong Khanh won the title.

Four years later, she joined the Miss Universe 2022 pageant but was unplaced. Her fellow half-Filipina R’Bonney Gabriel of the US was crowned.

Cortesi then sparked talks of joining showbiz after making a guest appearance on “Darna’s” finale in February 2023. She eventually signed a contract with Sparkle, GMA Network’s talent management arm, in July of the same year.