Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 13) — More is set to come from Philippine bet Celeste Cortesi on the coronation night of Miss Universe 2022.
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“There’s going to be a new gown for the finals and there is always that element, when it’s the finals, the whole energy, the whole vibe changes,” Miss Universe Philippines director for communications Voltaire Tayag told CNN Philippines’ The Source on Friday.
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He is currently also in New Orleans, Louisiana USA where the 71st edition of the pageant is being held.
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The preliminary round was held on Thursday, around 9 a.m. Manila time, where Miss Universe candidates battled it out for the swimwear, evening gown, and national costume.
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Tayag said they are proud of what Cortesi has so far shown in the competition.
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He said he was also able to speak with the country’s bet after yesterday’s competition.
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“She felt great. She was very happy and one of the main things she said was that she was finally able to show the cape during the swimsuit competition,” he said, referring to the cape that Cortesi wore during the swimsuit competition that featured numerous hand prints of Marawi children, symbolizing her advocacy for children’s rights.
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So far, Cortesi has been receiving support from Filipinos in New Orleans, as well as from other nationalities.
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With just two days left before the coronation, Tayag said he reminded Cortesi of what she has been working for in the past months.
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“I was just telling her this morning, this is what you’ve been working for all these years and all these months,” he shared. “This is the time for you to give it all you’ve got.”
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“I told her time and again that we believed in her from the very beginning and that she already has everything that it takes,” Tayag added. “All she needs to do is to believe in her destiny and to just let go.”
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A total of 86 candidates are competing to be the next Miss Universe that will be held on Jan. 15 at 9 a.m., Philippine time.
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