Miss Earth PH 2018 Celeste Cortesi reaches Top 8 in international competition

FILE: “Miss Earth Philippines 2018 Celeste Cortesi just like an Angel.” (Photo: @fabulousflavius/Instagram)

Philippine bet Celeste Cortesi failed to take the top crown, but still managed to enter the top 8 during the Miss Earth coronation night that happened at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay last Saturday, November 3.

The 23-year-old marketing student Celeste, who represented the Filipino community of Italy during the national pageant, was asked about malnutrition during the hashtag segment of the competition. Her answer states, “My perspective on malnutrition is based on my values and beliefs. I think that it’s about respect being the key to serve the purpose of our knowledge and humanity.”

The overall winner of the Miss Earth title was Phuong Khanh Nguyen from Vietnam. The Vietnamese winner was crowned by her predecessor Karen Ibasco, who represented the Philippines and overall won the top crown during Miss Earth 2017.

For Phuong’s topic during the Q&A portion, she was asked about #Conflict, which she starts her answer greeting the Filipino audience and sharing that English isn’t her first language but she will “try her best.” She reviews the topic saying, “In our world, there’s no perfection. Conflict is a part of our daily life. As a human, we can avoid conflict by being honest with ourselves. By being honest with ourselves, we can create the power to transform the world. Thank you.” The night then proceeded with another question and answer segment, where the top four contestants answered the same question pertaining to the most pressing issue of a millennial’s generation.

Those who also received titles during the night were Miss Earth – Fire 2018 Melissa Flores from Mexico, Miss Earth – Water 2018 Valeria Ayos of Colombia, and Miss Earth – air 2018 Melanie Mader of Austria. Miss Nepal Priya Sigdel was given the award for Most Meaningful Eco Video as well, while Online Beauty For A Cause was awarded to Miss Mexico Melissa Flores.