Celeste Cortesi Channels Darna in Miss Universe National Costume Round

“Have no fear” as Celeste Cortesi becomes Darna for her national costume!

Celeste Cortesi, the Philippines’ representative for the 2022 Miss Universe pageant, channeled the iconic Pinay comic superheroine Darna as her national costume! The Miss Universe National Costume show was held on January 12, 2022, at New Orleans, Louisiana (January 11, Wednesday, Mexican time).

Cortesi is one of the 84 candidates who took part in the National Costume show, showcasing their countries’ history, legends, and pop culture.

Los Angeles-based fashion designer Oliver Tolentino made Cortesi’s Darna ensemble: the two-piece red and gold suit, knee-high boots, and arm cuffs. Her golden sun backpiece, which shows the eight rays found on the Philippine flag, is a design from Jerome Navarro.

Celeste Cortesi as Darna
Image Courtesy of Miss Universe
Miss Universe 2
Image Courtesy of Miss Universe

As Cortesi walks donning the Darna costume, a voice over narrated the superheroine’s significance in Pinoy pop culture: “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.”

ABS-CBN currently airs its TV adaptation of “Darna.” The family of Darna’s creator, Mars Ravelo, expressed its gratitude and support for Cortesi through a program statement by JRB Creative Production, the unit helming the “Darna” series.

It reads: “We are proud of Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi for championing Darna on the world stage through the 71st Miss Universe national costume competition.

“The Ravelo family extends their full support, gratitude, and excitement for the opportunity to show Darna to a global audience through our country’s official Miss Universe representative. We hope that, like our beloved Filipino superheroine, Celeste will continue to serve as a source of inspiration and empowerment for women all around the world.”

Jane de Leon, the actress portraying Darna in ABS-CBN’s drama series, reposted Cortesi’s photo wearing the costume on her Instagram stories. She wrote, “SLAYYY! Philippines!”

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Image @imjanedeleon on Instagram

Miss Universe Philippines 2014 MJ Lastimosa, as well as Miss Universe Philippines 2021 contestant Ayn Bernos also raved about Cortesi’s look as Darna in the National Costume show.

The 71st edition of Miss Universe will be held on January 14, 2023 (January 15, Manila time) in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States.

Banner Image Dani Sison

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