Moms and Dads

Celeste Cortesi Enters the Next Chapter of Her Life: Motherhood

by Alexa Villano
May 4, 2026

Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi opens up about her pregnancy and honoring her late father in the most meaningful way

On April 19, Celeste Cortesi shared news that quickly warmed the hearts of her fans—she’s pregnant.

“To love someone in the most selfless way,” she captioned her announcement, a simple yet powerful glimpse into this new season of her life.

Weeks later, the Miss Universe Philippines 2022 titleholder sat down with Kylie Verzosa on the Almost Honest podcast, where she spoke candidly about her journey to motherhood—from the moment she found out she was pregnant to the baby’s gender.

The moment everything changed

Celeste revealed that she discovered her pregnancy while on vacation in the Maldives. At the time, she had already begun noticing subtle changes in her body—though she initially didn’t think much of them.

“I was ready to have a baby… we were ready. If it happens, I’m going to be happy. I always wanted to be a young mom before 30,” she shared.

Still, the timing surprised her.

“There was a point where I thought it was impossible that it was that month. But I started to feel really different.”

That “different” came in waves—unexpected mood swings, sudden fatigue, and even moments where she had to step away from dinner because she felt too sleepy. She also experienced bloating, which added to her growing suspicion.

When she finally took a pregnancy test, the result confirmed it.

“I was pregnant for weeks. I thought it was new—but even before the Maldives, I already was,” she said.

She later shared the news with her partner, Jonathan Sterling, as well as family and close friends. While some were initially surprised, the reactions quickly turned into excitement, with loved ones eager to support her as she prepares for her baby’s arrival.

But alongside the joy came honest questions.

“Am I ready to be a mom?” she admitted. “I was a little bit in shock—but I was so excited. I really felt a lot of happiness at that time.”

An emotional journey, one step at a time

As her pregnancy progresses, Celeste is learning to navigate both the physical and emotional changes that come with it.

She has made adjustments to her lifestyle—temporarily saying goodbye to sushi and sashimi, and opting for well-done steaks instead of her usual medium rare—to prioritize her baby’s health.

But beyond these changes, it’s the emotional aspect that has stood out most.

“Everybody talks about it, but when you experience it yourself, it’s different,” she shared. “You really have to adapt—and it helps to have the right people to support you.”

Like many first-time moms, Celeste also opened up about moments of anxiety, especially when it comes to her baby’s well-being. She admitted to feeling worried over cramps, checking in with her doctor frequently, and even getting an ultrasound machine for added reassurance.

Despite it all, her excitement continues to grow. She is expecting her baby toward the end of October.

A name that carries love and legacy

During the podcast, Celeste also confirmed that she is expecting a baby boy.

More than that, she revealed the heartfelt meaning behind his name.

Her son will be named Sergio—after her late father—and is expected to be born in the same month as him.

“When I found out it was a boy, I was like, ‘Oh my God, this was meant to be my baby,’” she shared.

In a touching Instagram post, she wrote: “Sergio, my little piece from heaven. A love that never left, just came back in a new way. I still can’t believe you’ll be born the same month as my dad. I love you forever.”

For Celeste, motherhood is also about passing on identity and heritage. She shared that she plans to teach her son Italian, English, and Tagalog, ensuring he grows up connected to both sides of his roots.

“It’s important that the baby experiences both cultures,” she said. “Italy is home, and so is the Philippines. I want him to grow up knowing both.”

Embracing what’s ahead

Beyond her pregnancy, Celeste also spoke about her business, Asul, the lessons she learned after Miss Universe 2022, and her plans moving forward.

But for now, it’s clear that this new role—motherhood—is one she is embracing with openness, intention, and heart.

It’s a new chapter filled with change, reflection, and anticipation. And like many modern moms, Celeste is learning to take it all in—one step, and one day, at a time.