Michelle Marquez Dee
A new Miss Universe Philippines has been crowned on 13th May 2023.
Seasoned pageant contestant, Michelle Marquez Dee wowed everyone and bested 37 other Miss Universe Philippines aspirants at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila.
Seasoned queen
Image credit: @iamdoc via Instagram
28-year-old actress, model, and entrepreneur Michelle Marquez Dee now wears the Miss Universe Philippines crown. Consequently, she follows the steps of her 2022 Miss Universe Philippines batchmate, Celeste Cortesi.
This is her second Miss Universe Philippines stint. In 2022, she was hailed Miss Universe Tourism, proving that persistence pays off.
Not only that, Dee had already represented the Philippines as Miss World 2019 in London. She landed in the pageant’s Top 12.
A lifelong advocate
Image credit: @markbumgarner via Instagram
Growing up alongside two brothers with autism, Michelle Marquez Dee considers herself a lifelong advocate for people on the spectrum.
Dee’s main foundation is the Autism Society Philippines, and she supports every foundation that advocates for the cause.
Image credit: @michelledee via Instagram
Stunning in her Best in Evening Gown made by acclaimed fashion designer, Mark Bumgarner, Dee aced the the last Q & A with flying colors.
In relation to the Philippines’ new tourism campaign, “We give the world our best,” the question for all the final five candidates was: “What is the best that we could offer to the rest of the world? Why do you consider it so?”
Dee answered with, “[The] Philippines is home to very beautiful natural resources, from the beaches, the mountains, but I firmly believe that the best natural resource that the Philippines has is us, Filipinos. We are the true heart and soul of the Philippines. With the way we are hospitable with the warm smiles. And we are the reason why the world keeps coming back for more.”
She ended it with, “No matter where the universe takes me, I will always be proud to call the Philippines my home. And no matter what happens, I will always be proud to call myself Pinoy.”
Her mother’s daughter
Image credit: @missuniverseph via Instagram
Michelle Marquez Dee is truly her mother’s daughter. Her mom, Melanie Marquez, was the former Miss International titleholder in 1979.
Miss Universe Philippines 2023 – Michelle Marquez Dee
Michelle Marquez Dee is indeed an inspiration that teaches all of us to go after our dreams. She was Miss World but believed she could take on the Universe, and now she’s here.
Congratulations to our new Miss Universe Philippines!
We wish her good luck on her competition later this year in El Salvador!
If you want to know more Miss Universe fun facts, check out 10 Unforgettable Miss Universe Evening Gowns and 10 Little-Known Miss Universe Facts. On the other hand, you can also peek at the new Miss Earth Philippines, Yllana Marie Aduana.
Cover image adapted from: @michelledee via Instagram, @iamdoc via Instagram