“I could really feel you in the crowd.”
Philippine bet Celeste Cortesi expressed her gratitude to her fellow Filipinos after participating in the preliminary round of Miss Universe 2022 in New Orleans, Louisana.
The 25-year-old Pasay beauty impressed Pinoys when she showcased Filipino superheroine Darna as her national costume in the 71st edition of the prestigious beauty pageant.
READ: ‘Fierce against injustice’: Celeste Cortesi brings Darna to Miss Universe stage
She also turned heads with her sky-blue evening gown which alludes to the story behind her name.
RELATED: Celeste Cortesi dons sky blue gown referencing name at Miss Universe prelims
Celeste likewise gained traction on the internet when she strutted a two-piece at the swimwear portion of the prelims.
Some Pinoys thought she channeled one of her predecessors, Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo, with her look.
ALSO READ: ‘Rabiya vibes?’: Comments as Celeste Cortesi struts swimwear at Miss Universe prelims
The morning after the prelims, the Philippine bet immediately thanked her fans and other Filipinos who rallied behind her for support.
“I was just very blessed and grateful, to be honest. Like, I was really, really happy, I was really, really enjoying the moment,” Celeste said to a group of reporters.
She also said she was trying to look for her mom, Maria Luisa Rabimbi, and her boyfriend, Azkals player Mathew Custodio, in the audience.
RELATED: Celeste Cortesi reunites with mom ahead of Miss Universe 2022 coronation night
“I couldn’t see anyone but I could see the screams, like, it’s crazy,” the beauty queen added.
She was also asked to share a message with her Filipino fans.
“I just wanna say, thank you guys, you know. Like, sometimes, I do read [your messages] and you give me so much love and support and you know, yesterday, when I was walking on stage, I could really feel you in the crowd. So thank you so much, I love you,” Celeste said.
Online pageant magazine Sash Factor said she is among the most followed Miss Universe 2022 delegates on Instagram as of January 12, 12 a.m.
Celeste is vying against more than 80 delegates for the country’s fifth Miss Universe crown.
The grand coronation will air on January 15 (Manila time).
READ: Where to watch Miss Universe 2022 coronation night from the Philippines