Miss Universe Philippines Michelle Dee and two other candidates won the Voice for Change video contest at the 72nd Miss Universe Competition in El Salvador Saturday night (Sunday morning Manila time).

Other winners were Miss Universe Angola Anna Coimbra and Miss Universe Puerto Rico Karla Acevedo.

The three gold winners of Voice for Change will each receive a US$12,000 (P672,000) cash prize, Lebanese jeweler Fred Mouwad announced recently.

Silver finalists in the Voice for Change were Brazil, Chile, Lebanon, Singapore, South Africa, Ukraine, and Zimbabwe delegates.

Mouwad said the mission of Voice for Change is to continue enabling all the Miss Universe delegates on their journey of being ambassadors for their country.  "And for social change, we aim to amplify their voice so they can continue improving lives, society, and ultimately the world." 

"The Miss Universe Voice for Change contest is not just a one-time event. It's a commitment to making a lasting impact," he added.

Organizers, however, said the Voice for Change has no bearing in selecting the next Miss Universe.

In Voice for Change, each delegate crafts a powerful video for up to three minutes, championing a cause close to their heart. "It’s more than a competition; it’s a call for action, an invitation to transform the world, and a celebration of intelligence, integrity, and culture."

Also, Michelle won the Spirit of Carnival Award, a corporate special award.

Michelle, daughter of former beauty queen-turned-actress Melanie Marquez, finished in the top 10 of this year's pageant.

This year marked the return of the Philippines to the semifinals of the Miss Universe pageant. Last year, Filipino-Italian model Celeste Cortesi failed to enter the semis.

In the evening gown competition, Michelle wore a black gown created by Filipino fashion designer Mark Bumgarner.

Michelle, 28, said her gown is an ode to Whang-Od, a 106-year-old tattoo artist from Kalinga. She wrote on social media: 

"A tribute to a legendary Filipina who has become an icon, preserving the rich cultural heritage of indigenous tattoo art. She has achieved global recognition and symbolizes timeless beauty, coinciding with the Miss Universe, lifting its age restrictions, championing inclusivity, and challenging age stereotypes.

"A true icon and the last of her kind, a symbol of bravery, beauty, and inclusivity… Whang Od.

"This evening gown draws inspiration from the icon, with every stitch crafted passionately and proudly dedicated to our country. It is a creation by my friend and designer of dreams, Mark Bumgarner."

Historic pageant

Critics labeled the 72nd Miss Universe historic for allowing married women and mothers to compete.

Miss Colombia Camila Avella, 28, made history as the first mom to enter the semifinal round of Miss Universe.

Pageant fans believe Miss Nepal Jane Garrett, 23, is the first plus-size woman to enter the top 20 of the beauty contest.

In September, the Miss Universe Organization, run by Anne Jukapong Jakrajutatip of Thailand, lifted the competition's age restrictions.

El Salvador President Nayib Armando Bukele Ortez made a special appearance during the finals as he announced Mexico as the 2024 Miss Universe Competition venue.

Nayib also thanked pageant fans for supporting the country's efforts in staging Miss Universe. He invited people around the world to visit the new El Salvador. This is the second time the Miss Universe pageant was staged in El Salvador, the first in 1975.

Anne is also expected to announce a new Miss Universe president soon after Paula Shugart ended her tenure. 

"Saturday will be a culmination and a celebration of this partnership. And it does not get better than this. I can think of no better place than in this beautiful country on this magnificent stage to announce the end of my tenure as president of Miss Universe," said Paula in a speech at the end of the National Costume Show Friday night. She has served as president of the MUO since 2001.

Paula added: "I have decided this Saturday will be my last show, and to be clear, this decision has been months in the making, and it is not in response to recent events."

"I stayed because of my belief in El Salvador and love for the Miss Universe brand. I have always passionately believed Miss Universe is not about any one woman. It's about community. It's about the passionate fans, the title holders, and the national directors who have remained dedicated to this brand through thick and thin. Because of them, the Miss Universe brand is strong and will remain resilient," she said.

Paula also advised women to "never be afraid to use their voice."

"And to all of the women claiming their place in the world, never ever be afraid to use your voice. Use this platform we've been given, and you can truly change the world," she said.

Miss Universe Spain Athenea Perez was named Miss Congeniality. No Miss Photogenic award was presented this year. Eighty-four women competed for the title of Miss Universe 2023.