MANILA, Philippines — Jonathan “Jonny” Sterling has opened up about an uncomfortable moment between him and his partner, former Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi, revealing that the two were not on good terms when he showed up to support her at Manila Fashion Week.
Sterling was in the audience as Cortesi walked the runway for designer Chris Nick. While the public saw him supporting the beauty queen during the fashion event, Sterling revealed that things between them had been tense shortly before the show.
“Celeste and I had an argument that day, and we were not on very good terms at that time,” Sterling said, according to the report published by Inquirer Entertainment.
The revelation adds another layer to the couple’s highly publicized relationship, which has faced intense public interest in recent months.
From breakup rumors to setting the record straight
Cortesi and Sterling previously found themselves at the center of breakup rumors in June 2026. The speculation intensified after reports circulated about problems in their relationship, prompting Sterling to return to social media and address what he described as false allegations.
In a post cited by Philstar.com, Sterling jokingly wrote that he was not a millionaire but a “billionaire,” before telling followers that those who wanted the full story should watch Celeste Unscripted, an eight-part documentary series about Cortesi.
The breakup speculation also dragged actress and fellow beauty queen Bianca Manalo into the discussion. Manalo’s talent agency, Sparkle GMA Artist Center, publicly denied rumors that she was involved in the alleged separation. Cortesi subsequently said that she and Sterling were “good” and that their focus was caring for their child.
Cortesi previously acknowledged relationship challenges
In August, Cortesi herself addressed the breakup rumors during an appearance on Fast Talk with Boy Abunda.
According to Philstar.com, Cortesi acknowledged that she and Sterling had experienced problems even before her pregnancy. She said they had moments when they needed to give each other space but ultimately worked through their difficulties.
Her comments provide additional context to Sterling’s latest revelation: the disagreement surrounding the fashion show appears to have been part of the ordinary relationship difficulties the couple has previously acknowledged, rather than evidence by itself of a breakup.
Their relationship remains part of Cortesi’s documentary story
The couple’s personal life has also become part of Celeste Unscripted, which has been documenting different aspects of Cortesi’s life, relationship, business activities and personal experiences.
Recent episodes have continued to feature Sterling and Cortesi together. GMA Entertainment reported that a September episode showed Cortesi traveling to Dubai while Sterling had work commitments there, while another episode explored developments in Cortesi’s IVF journey.
The latest revelation therefore gives viewers another glimpse into the reality behind the couple’s public appearances—where moments of affection and support can exist alongside disagreements and private tensions.
For now, the available public statements from both Cortesi and Sterling point to a relationship that has experienced disagreements and periods of uncertainty, while both have also publicly indicated that they remain focused on their family.
The bigger question is what exactly happened during that argument—and whether Celeste Unscripted will eventually show the full story behind it.
