Celeste Cortesi to 2026 MUPH candidates: ‘Don’t be too hard on yourself‘

Celeste Cortesi offered words of encouragement to this year’s Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) candidates, urging them not to be hard on themselves and to enjoy every single step of the journey. 

Cortesi extended advice to the 2026 MUPH candidates during her recent contract signing with a jewelry brand.

“It’s been a while since I competed, but for me, it was really one of the best experiences of my life. Whether I was able to place or not, I think it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I believe that every girl who truly wants to join and tell her story has to also enjoy the process,” she said. 

“You know, don’t be too hard on yourself. Enjoy every single step and just be the best you can be. At the end of the day, I do think it’s a lot of hard work, but it’s also destiny as well. So just don’t be too hard on yourself,” added the beauty queen. 

Cortesi represented the Philippines at the 71st edition of the Miss Universe competition but was unplaced, which ended the country’s twelve-year streak of consecutive placements in the international competition. 

Cortesi then served as a judge in the Miss Universe Philippines 2025 pageant, where Ahtisa Manalo was eventually crowned and represented the country in the global tilt, finishing third runner-up. 

When asked what qualities she looks for in a candidate whenever she serves as a judge, Cortesi said it’s a mixture of things, from aura to intelligence. 

“To be honest, I think it’s not just one thing. I do look a lot for what I feel when the girl comes out on stage. I think it’s a lot about the aura, the presence. The Q&A, of course, plays a significant role when it comes to choosing a girl. But I think it’s the overall aura that the girl gives you that really makes me say, ‘Oh, she’s going to please you,'” she said. 

Miss Universe Philippines 2026 is expected to take place later this year. Manalo will crown her successor at the end of the event. The winner will represent the Philippines at the global tilt, which will be held in Puerto Rico. 

Meanwhile, Cortesi also made headlines last year after she donated P10 million to the earthquake victims in Cebu and Davao Oriental. The beauty queen has now shared that her charitable work continues after she and her boyfriend recently donated to universities to support education and a few hospitals that address heart disease. 

“To be honest, even before the time of Peace to the Universe, we were always doing charity work. I think it doesn’t necessarily have to be donating a large sum of money. But even just volunteering, doing work with certain organizations, I think is already good help,” she said. /ra