Celeste Cortesi lets cameras roll beyond the crown

After years of being seen on pageant stages, magazine covers, and advertising campaigns, Celeste Cortesi is opening the door to a side of her life the public has never fully seen.

Beginning 8 August, the former Miss Universe Philippines stars in Celeste Unscripted, an eight-episode reality series that follows her as she navigates life beyond the pageant world — building her beauty business, preparing for the arrival of her first child, and embracing the changes that come with a new chapter. The series premieres on GTV at 10:30 p.m. before its global release on GMA Life TV on 15 August. Created by Michael Carandang, the show chronicles Cortesi’s everyday life alongside her partner, businessman Jonathan Sterling, as well as her family and closest friends. Rather than presenting a polished image, the series promises an honest look at the highs and lows behind the scenes.

“I think this is the first time that people actually can see the different, not-so-polished sides of me,” Cortesi said. “They actually don’t know what’s going on in my private life. This show is really going to let them see relationships, friendship, motherhood, and building a business.”

The beauty queen, who represented the Philippines at Miss Universe 2022, said the project also fulfills a promise she made during her pageant journey.

“During my time in Miss Universe, I would always advocate for authenticity and being vulnerable on camera. I think this is the first time that I’m actually letting people see the unedited version of me,” she shared.

Sterling hinted that viewers should expect more than a feel-good family series.

“There’s really an arc in the show where everything starts out as sunshine and rainbows, and then slowly some cracks start to show,” he said.

Cortesi echoed the sentiment, adding, “Every relationship is like that. I don’t think any relationship is just happy all the time.”

When asked where their relationship stands today, Sterling simply smiled and replied, “You’ll have to watch the show and find out.”

Carandang explained that the production avoided manufactured drama, allowing events to unfold naturally. “The show is unscripted, nothing was set up. The storylines came from whatever happened,” he said, adding that Cortesi and Sterling’s personalities were compelling enough to carry the series.

While deeply rooted in Filipino culture and stories, the production was also designed with an international audience in mind, showcasing local experiences through a globally relatable lens.