Shamcey Supsup-Lee, national director of Miss Universe Philippines, issued a statement on the performance of Celeste Cortesi at he 71st Miss Universe Competition in New Orleans, Louisiana omn Jan. 14 (Jan. 15 in Manila).
Her full statement:
"You fought bravely to raise the Filipino flag on that stage and what truly matters is that you gave it your all and made your country proud. ??
"This experience is truly a lesson in humility. It is a way to remind all of us to stay grounded for we are all created equal.
"The new era of Miss Universe cemented its thrust on breaking stereotypes and embracing diversity. Apart from the glitz and glamour, we are again reminded of the true essence of this platform.
"Our work continues, to be a venue for women to find a purpose larger than themselves and to use their collective voices to create an unstoppable force for GOOD."
Celeste, a Filipino-Italian model, failed to enter the top 16 of the Miss Universe pageant, the first time in 12 years that a Filipino delegate did not make it to the semis.
On Jan. 14, Jonas Gaffud, creative and events director of Miss Universe Philippines, asked pageant fans to move on after Celeste Cortesi failed to enter the competition.
“Walang essay. Move on lang. Happy life lang. I love you Celeste Cortesi. 
” Jonas wrote on Facebook.
Jonas also said that she is proud of Celeste's performance.
“So beautiful. People have their opinion on what she should have done and all during the preliminaries at Miss Universe. I just felt proud to see her on stage. How she moved, the subtle and effortless beauty she possesses. She does not have to act like someone else. She is as authentic as she can be,” he wrote on social media.