'5th crown na 'to!': Pinay beauty queens cheer on Celeste Cortesi at Miss Universe prelims
Filipinos are known for having the best reactions to the Miss Universe competition—just look at the millions of views their videos watching the pageant get. Alongside fans, Miss Universe Philippines contestants of the past and other beauty queens cheer along the country's delegate at the international stage, and this year, the energy is just as palpable.
As Celeste Cortesi competes in the 71st Miss Universe in New Orleans, Louisiana, her fellow pageant patties expressed their support during the preliminary competition.
Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo took to Instagram stories to cheer on Cortesi, writing "5th crown na 'to for the country!!!"
Meanwhile, MJ Lastimosa, who represented the country in the prestigious pageant in 2014, shared a few reactions.
"Ding ang bato ng koronaaaa #darna," she first said about Cortesi's Darna-inspired national costume.
"Celeste 'nanlalamon' Cortesi," Lastimosa added.
2016 Miss Universe representative Maxine Medina was also amazed by the national costume display, saying "Perfectly right on you, @celeste_cortesi ❤️."
In response to the swimsuit competition, Miss Universe 2013 third runner-up Ariella Arida described Cortesi as "So fresh and calm!"
"Genuine smile and aura. Body is TDF (to die for)," Arida continued, also calling the Philippine delegate "confident, elegant, and genuine."
The 2012 pageant's first runner-up Janine Tugonon also tuned into the competition, cheering on Cortesi. "Let's go Philippines!!!"
Miss Universe Philippines Tourism 2021 Katrina Dimaranan commented "winner" on one of Cortesi's looks as shared on Instagram.
Pia Wurtzbach also cheered the Filipina on, writing "Our dear @celeste_cortesi killing it at Miss Universe!" as she shared a photo of the Darna national costume.
