Celeste Cortesi clarifies comment on MUPH results
CELESTE CORTESI – The Miss Universe Philippines 2022, explained her “WHAT JUST HAPPENED” post on X regarding the results of Miss Universe Philippines 2024 after facing criticism and harsh comments.
Netizens were surprised by Celeste’s all-caps post, “WHAT JUST HAPPENED” accompanied by the hashtag #muph2024, suggesting it was about the recent pageant results. In a follow-up X post, she openly expressed her support for the Taguig representative, Christi McGarry, who finished as 4th runner-up. “Ang ganda ganda ni Christi tas perfect yung answer nya !!!!! (emojis)” she wrote.
In the comments section, netizens criticized Celeste. They pointed out that she had broken the Philippines’ 12-year winning streak at MUPH and questioned her right to speak out in such a manner. Some reminded her that they had similar doubts when she won.
Celeste, now in Bali, Indonesia, responded quickly: “Ya’ll need to chill. Haha. What I meant by what happened is how the other crowns were distributed. Where’s Cainta? where’s Taguig? Stop trying to make an issue, I have my bets but I fully support who ever wins,” she said. However, despite her explanation, the criticism continued. Some suggested she should emulate Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach and Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray in handling her posts professionally.
Meanwhile, the Miss Universe Philippines 2024 competition took place at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay. Chelsea Manalo from Bulacan emerged as the winner, with the 1st Runner-up representing Cainta, followed by the 2nd Runner-up from Quezon Province, the 3rd Runner-up from Baguio, and the 4th Runner-up from Taguig.
Additionally, winners were announced in other pageant categories: Alexie Brooks from Iloilo won Miss Eco International Philippines 2024, Ahtisa Manalo from Quezon Province received the title of Miss Cosmo Philippines 2024, Justine Tarah Mae Valencia from Baguio was crowned Miss Supranational Philippines 2024, and Cyrille Payumo from Pampanga was named Miss Charm Philippines 2024.