AFTER her impressive performance during the preliminary competition of the 71st Miss Universe on Thursday (Manila time), the Philippines’ very own Celeste Cortesi remains to be the crowd favorite during the national costume competition held on the same day in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The 25-year-old conquered the stage wearing the country’s iconic superheroine Darna designed by Oliver Tolentino, the same designer who created her sky blue evening gown for the preliminary competition.
The costume was complimented by a sun and stars headpiece with some metalwork accessories which was inspired by the national flag of the Philippines that was designed by Jerome Navarro
“Darna is the ultimate Filipina superhero and part of this country’s pop culture. She transforms from an ordinary woman with the help of a white stone standing up for those who cannot defend themselves. Have no fear ’cause Darna is here in the Philippines,” the host explained in the background.
In a social media post of Miss Universe Philippines, Cortesi said of her national costume, “People don’t really see women as leaders and that’s because women are always – no matter what – very underestimated by everyone.”
The winner for the best national costume will be announced during the 71st Miss Universe coronation night which will be held at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, Louisiana.
Filipinos can watch it live on A2Z Channel 11, Kapamilya Channel, Metro Channel and iWantTFC on January 15 at 9 a.m. (Manila time).