After representing the Philippines at Miss Universe in 2022, Celeste Cortesi found herself defined less by the crown she wore than by the criticism that followed. The beauty queen, who missed the competition’s semifinals, became known as the woman who broke the country’s long-standing placement streak—a label that invited relentless scrutiny and overshadowed everything that came after.
Now, she’s ready to take back the narrative.
In Celeste Unscripted, an eight-episode reality series produced by GOAT Creative Studios, Cortesi opens the doors to her life beyond pageantry. More than revisiting one of the most difficult chapters of her career, the series follows her as she builds a business, navigates love, and discovers who she is outside the expectations of a beauty queen.
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After the Crown
Rather than avoid the backlash, Celeste Unscripted begins with it. In its opening episode, Cortesi candidly addresses the criticism she received following Miss Universe—from comments about her performance to relentless scrutiny over her appearance.
For someone who has always kept her personal life private, revisiting that chapter wasn’t an easy decision.
“To be honest, this is a first for me. I’m very private,” Cortesi tells MEGA. “I’ve known Michael (Carandang) for many years, so it just felt right for me to open up my life in the first place to him. And I think the next step is being comfortable having the public see this side of me that nobody ever saw. So, I’m very excited for that. I hope people actually enjoy the show.”
That trust ultimately gave her the confidence to revisit a period she had long avoided discussing publicly.
“In the first episode, I start by talking a lot about Miss Universe and everything that happened after. Because this is really the first time I go deep into that,” she reflected, recalling how she shed a few tears after watching the first episode.
Instead of allowing public opinion to define her, the series becomes an opportunity to revisit the experience on her own terms.
Love and Life
While pageantry introduced Cortesi to the public, Celeste Unscripted reveals the many roles she’s embraced since then. The series follows her as the founder of lip care brand Asul, offering a closer look at the realities of entrepreneurship—from learning the ropes of running a business to working alongside the team helping bring her vision to life.
Away from work, the show also captures the quieter milestones shaping her life today. Viewers get an intimate glimpse into her relationship with her partner and GOAT co-founder, Jonny Sterling, from how they met to preparing for parenthood. Alongside them is her best friend Benj Sadac, whose steady presence reflects the support system that has remained constant through every high and low.
Cortesi hopes those moments reveal a version of herself that extends beyond the polished snapshots people often see online.
“People think that it may be perfect because, on social media, we always show the highlights of a life. But I think now, they can really relate more to my life and everything that is going on. And I think it’s very entertaining. And I hope that, again, people find this to be inspirational,” the beauty mogul said.
Looking Back
Filmed in real time, Celeste Unscripted doesn’t just document Cortesi’s present, but allows her to revisit it alongside the audience. Watching the series became an unexpected opportunity for reflection, revealing how much she had grown through the experiences she once found difficult to confront.
“That’s also why I got emotional. It’s because looking back, you kind of relive everything, and I discover more about myself. And I think this is what people can relate to more in the show,” Cortesi explained.
Celeste Unscripted marks Cortesi’s decision to let people see the person behind the pageant title. By revisiting both the triumphs and the setbacks that shaped her, she’s no longer defined by a single moment in competition—but by everything she’s built since.
Celeste Unscripted premieres August 8, every Sunday at 10:30 PM on GTV Philippines. Worldwide airing begins August 15 on GMA Life TV.
Featured Image and Photos: CELESTE UNSCRIPTED, GMA LIFE TV (via Instagram)
Frequently Asked Questions
Celeste Unscripted is an eight-episode reality series produced by GOAT Creative Studios. It follows Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi as she opens up about pageant backlash, launches her lip care brand Asul, and navigates motherhood alongside her partner Jonny Sterling.
Celeste Unscripted premieres August 8, airing every Sunday at 10:30 PM on GTV Philippines. For international viewers, worldwide distribution begins August 15 on GMA Life TV.
Alongside Celeste Cortesi, the reality show features her partner and GOAT co-founder Jonny Sterling, her best friend Benj Sadac, and producer Marky Hora, offering viewers an intimate look at her personal and professional support system.
Celeste Cortesi is the founder of Asul, a lip care brand. Her transition into business and the daily realities of running a beauty brand are featured prominently throughout her reality series Celeste Unscripted.
Rather than ignoring the backlash from ending the Philippines’ long-standing placement streak, Celeste Cortesi directly addresses the media scrutiny in Celeste Unscripted, using the platform to share her authentic personal story beyond pageant expectations.
