Former Miss Universe Philippines Celeste Cortesi shared how her partner, Jonathan Sterling, has been supportive of their relationship, her pregnancy, and her business.
Speaking during the opening of the first retail branch of her cosmetic brand ASUL, the beauty queen-entrepreneur shared how Jonathan has helped make her pregnancy journey lighter, especially during moments of self-doubt.
“It’s also important to have a partner that is there even for the most things, like insecurities. I messaged him every day that I look fat or big or like watermelons. So, it’s important to us to have someone to make things a little lighter,” she said.
Aside from preparing for the arrival of their baby boy, the couple has also been working together on growing ASUL, with Jonathan quietly supporting Celeste behind the scenes.
Addressing recent reports and allegations about their supposed breakup due to a third party, Celeste made it clear that their relationship remains intact.
“Everything is well, yes,” Celeste reiterated.
“You know, at the end of the day people will always have something to say or they will always want to give out an opinion or assume, but at the end of the day only us know what actually happened and the status of the relationship. It doesn't really matter the noise and the chaos that is outside,” she expressed.
While she admitted reading such reports isn't pleasant, Celeste said their focus remains on what matters most.
“It’s not nice to watch or to read it, but at the end of the day it does not affect the relationship and that's what's important. We are just focusing on pregnancy and having the baby and also ASUL,” she continued.
Jonathan, who was present during the launch, echoed the same sentiment, explaining that while he rarely appears in front of the camera, he has always been supporting Celeste behind the scenes.
“I'm not on social media. I'm the person behind the camera, I'm the one supporting. I think I've not been seen a lot of the time and people make a lot of assumptions, but I'm always there (just) behind the camera,” he reassured.
Celeste said she appreciates having someone who supports her even privately. “It’s also like the perfect dynamic to have someone to support you behind the scenes is very important and like I said earlier, there’s going to be more things coming out, and you know people talking but I got used to it.”
Rumors about the couple's relationship first surfaced in June, prompting Jonathan to address the issue with humor through an Instagram Story.
“There have been a lot of false allegations going around online and in the media about me recently,” Jonathan wrote on his Instagram story.
“So l'd like to break my silence, come back on social media, and take a moment to correct the record: I am NOT a millionaire. I'm a billionaire,” he quipped.
Jonathan also teased that viewers would learn more about their story in Celeste's upcoming documentary.
“But seriously, if you want the full story, watch Celeste Unscripted when it comes out later this year,” he said.
For her part, Celeste later reiterated on social media that their attention remains on their family.
“Jonny and I are good. Our focus remains on caring for our child, Sergio, and supporting our family. I believe some situations call for greater consideration and respect, especially when a child and family are already involved,” Celeste wrote.
“Our priority is our family, and that is where our time, energy, and attention will remain. With that said, people can now relax and focus on their own lives instead,” she added.