Celeste Cortesi, nagsalita sa “halfies” debate, ibinahagi rin ang pinagdaanang identity struggles
- Celeste Cortesi weighed in on the “halfies” debate during her appearance on “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda”
- She said pageant success is not exclusive to candidates with mixed heritage, noting that full-blooded Filipinos have also won crowns and brought pride to the country
- Celeste also opened up about her experience of feeling like she did not belong while growing up in Italy and later in the Philippines
- Despite facing bullying and questions about her Filipino identity, she said she eventually learned to embrace both sides of her heritage
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Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi shared her perspective on the “halfies” debate, saying that mixed heritage does not necessarily give beauty pageant candidates an advantage in winning a crown.
Source: Youtube
During her appearance on “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” on Wednesday, August 19, Celeste pointed out that full-blooded Filipinos have also won pageant crowns and brought pride to the country. She emphasized that success in pageants should not be attributed solely to candidates who have mixed heritage.
As a half-Italian and half-Filipino, Celeste said she takes pride in both sides of her background. She described her Italian heritage as a connection to her father and her Filipino heritage as something she continues to explore through her mother. She also acknowledged her son’s Filipino roots and mixed heritage.
“I love my Italian heritage because that's my dad's side and I love exploring my Filipino heritage which is my mom's side. Also, my baby is somehow Filipino and halfie.”
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Celeste also explained that her decision to represent the Philippines in Miss Universe was deeply connected to her love for the country, which she said had always been in her heart.
However, her journey toward embracing her identity was not always easy. She recalled being bullied while growing up in Italy because of her Asian heritage. After moving to the Philippines, she faced a different kind of struggle as she was told that she was not Filipino enough to represent the country.
“Because when I was in Italy and living there, I was bullied because of my Asian side. And then, when I came here to the Philippines, I've always been told that I'm not Filipina enough to represent the country.”
Celeste said it took time for her to process those experiences and understand how they shaped her. She also had to adjust after moving to the Philippines without knowing how to speak English or Tagalog, making the transition even more challenging.
Reflecting on that period, she acknowledged that she went through moments when she felt hurt, helpless, and as though she did not belong. Despite those difficulties, she said the experience ultimately helped her grow and develop a better understanding of her identity.
“But eventually, you really grow up. So I think I really grew from it and I really understood that I can belong anywhere, both Italy and the Philippines. And that's also what I want to teach my son, that he doesn't have to choose.”
Celeste Cortesi was born on December 15, 1997, to a Filipino mother and an Italian father. She first gained recognition in the Philippine pageant scene when she joined Miss Earth Philippines 2018. Her prominence grew even more after she won the Miss Universe Philippines 2022 title. Having spent much of her early life in Italy, Celeste eventually moved to the Philippines to pursue her dreams in pageantry and establish her career.
Last April, Celeste announced her first pregnancy through a heartfelt social media post featuring her baby bump and ultrasound photos. She reflected on unconditional love and new beginnings as she welcomed a new chapter in her life, receiving congratulatory messages from fellow beauty queens and celebrities.
Celeste also addressed breakup rumors involving her and British businessman Jonathan Sterling during her appearance on “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda.” She acknowledged that they have had moments apart but stressed the importance of honesty, communication, and working through challenges as a family.
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