Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi shared an excerpt from a book after she failed to bring home the crown on Saturday, January 14 in New Orleans, United States of America.
In an Instagram story, she shared the work of Toronto-based author Bianca Sparacino.
The piece talks about the pursuit of happiness and how it should not depend on others.
The text reads:
“You’re going to realize it one day-that happiness was never about your job or your degree or being in a relationship. Happiness was never about following in the footsteps of all of those who came before you; it was never about being like the others. One day, you’re going to see it – that happiness was always about the discovery, the hope, the listening to your heart and following it wherever it chose to go.
Happiness was always about being kinder to yourself; it was always about embracing the person you were becoming. One day, you will understand that happiness was always about learning how to live with yourself, that your happiness was never in the hands of others. It was always about you. It was always about you.”
Many Filipinos were in disbelief after Celeste failed to enter the Top 16 as she is among the frontrunners, according to pageant communities. This was the first time in 12 years that the Philippines did not make it to the semifinals.
Despite the defeat, many Filipinos also congratulated Celeste for representing the country.
Miss Universe Philippines, fellow beauty queens and fans said they are proud of Celeste.
RELATED: ‘El Tocuyo awardee?’: Pinoys in disbelief as Celeste Cortesi ends Miss Universe 2022 journey | ‘We always have next year’: Miss Universe Philippines, Catriona Gray’s message to fans
USA’s bet Filipino-American R’Bonney Gabriel was crowned the 71st Miss Universe. She is the ninth Miss Universe titleholder of USA.
RELATED: ‘For Pinoy pride’: Pinoys rally behind USA’s R’Bonney Gabriel at Miss Universe 2022 | Who is Miss Universe 2022 Filipino-American Miss USA R’Bonney Gabriel?
