Filipina beauty queen Celeste Cortesi joins the Miss Universe Egypt 2023 pageant as part of its selection panel.
This was announced by the Miss Universe Egypt Organization via its social media channels on Friday, September 15.
The Miss Universe Egypt Organization described Celeste in its announcement as “the pride and forever queen of the Philippines.”
It adds, “The celestial beauty with unparalleled charm and grace Celeste Cortesi as our Official Miss Universe Egypt Selection Committee.”
Egyptian actress Mai Omar and philanthropist Sameera Shah, among others, join Celeste as part of the Miss Universe Egypt 2023 pageant selection committee.
Fans of the Filipina beauty queen expressed their elation over the news on the announcement post’s comments section.
“Happy that you are getting the recognition you deserve! Our forever Queen Celeste,” one fan wrote.
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The Miss Universe Egypt 2023 pageant will happen later this year.
In the Miss Universe pageants, the selection committee is the panel that chooses the contestants who would advance as semi-finalists in the competition proper.
Earlier this year, Celeste was chosen as part of the Miss Universe Thailand 2023 judging panel. The pageant was held on August 20, 2023.
The Filipino-Italian Celeste represented the country at the 2022 Miss Universe pageant in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States on Jan. 14, 2023.
She also won the Miss Earth Philippines title in 2018.
In an interview after the Miss Universe 2022 pageant, Celeste said that she would love to explore the world of showbiz. She made a special appearance in the finale of the ABS-CBN fantasy series “Darna” in February 2023.
“I’m really just excited about what’s to come. I want to grow, I want to really step out of my comfort zone, which is what I’ve been doing for a very long time. I am excited to try new things. There’s always an opportunity. When a door closes, there’s another one wide open,” the 25-year-old beauty queen said after her failed bid to win the 2022 Miss Universe title.
Celeste added: “Of course, everybody is very heartbroken about what happened in Miss Universe, and me as well. But I’m very grateful because I had a chance to represent the Philippines. And I worked very, very hard. I felt the love, I felt the support. At the end of the day, I’m just very grateful.” —Chuck Smith