Celeste Cortesi. ARMIN P. ADINA
Beauty queen-turned model Celeste Cortesi will still be at the 2024 Miss Grand Philippines coronation night after all, as many pageant followers have been clamoring for in the recent months. But, no, she will not be among those aiming for the crown.
Cortesi, the 2022 Miss Universe Philippines titleholder who broke the country’s 12-year placement streak in the Miss Universe pageant, will instead join the panel of judges who will be tasked to choose the 2024 Miss Grand Philippines set of winners.
“The crown is calling…are you ready? Mark your calendars for tomorrow September 29! [Miss Grand Philippines] 2024 grand coronation night! [crown emoji] I’m so excited to be judging this year’s competition and to witness these women own their moment. See you all there [blue heart emoji][crown emoji],” the Italian-Filipino stunner posted on Instagram.
When the Miss Grand Philippines pageant announced its call for applicants earlier this year, several names were floated by avid followers, ladies who many believe will be able to clinch the elusive “golden crown” of the Miss Grand International pageant for the country.
‘Wish Miss’
Among the seasoned aspirants in the fans’ “wish Miss” list are Cortesi, 2022 Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental Gabrielle Basiano, and 2023 Miss Universe Philippines first runner-up CJ Opiaza, who eventually signed up for the Miss Grand Philippines pageant and is now an official candidate.
But what will Cortesi’s inclusion in the judging panel bring to the Miss Universe Philippines pageant alumnae in the tiff? Many pageant observers surmised that she had a falling out with the national organization after her failed Miss Universe campaign. Several posts circulated online showing the queen by her lonesome at the backstage when she was about to relinquish her title.
However, Cortesi shared posts on social media recently showing her reuniting with Miss Universe Philippines Pres. Jonas Gaffud and Executive Vice President Voltaire Tayag in separate occasions, seemingly quashing suspicions of ill feelings toward one another.
Aside from Opiaza, the other Miss Universe Philippines alumnae in this year’s Miss Grand Philippines pageant are 2024 delegates Selena Antonio-Reyes and Alexandra Mae Rosales, who finished in the Top 20 and Top 10, respectively, of the national pageant in May.
The 2024 Miss Grand Philippine coronation night will be held at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Pasay City. Veteran broadcaster Dyan Castillejo will share hosting chores with seasoned pageant emcee KC Montero, together with reigning Miss World Philippines First Princess Jasmine Omay. P-Pop groups 1621BC and Press Hit Play are also set to perform.