Actress Rhian Ramos and beauty queen Celeste Cortesi gave their sweet messages to Michelle Dee, presently in El Salvador, to compete for the Miss Universe 2023 crown. The two believed Michelle had what it takes to win the title  because she worked hard and  "prepared for the pageant."

"Michelle knows what my wish for her is. I want this next portion of her life to be what she truly deserves. I know how much work she puts into herself and in improving herself, in being a better person in every single way, and I know she deserves to be Miss Universe," stated Rhian when Interviewed at the Opulence Halloween Ball, which was held at Marquis Events Place in BGC, Taguig City.

Earlier, Michelle said her "housemate" and best friend Rhian might fly to El Salvador with her boyfriend, Cong. Sam Verzosa. But the lovebirds said work "got in the way."

"We'll just wait for Michelle to bring home the crown and attend her victory party," the two chorused.

Meanwhile, Michelle's batchmate, Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi, said: " Michelle is a total package to be honest. She's been working so hard, even during Miss Universe Philippines, and I think she can get the Miss Universe crown. I would be so happy for her."

"I just wish her all the best. I talked to Michelle before she flew, and I think she's got this. She has prepared a lot for the pageant. I trust her, so I know she will be very good, " she added.

What were the tips Celeste gave to Michelle about competing in Miss Universe?

"I told her to enjoy the pageant, you're going to make a lot of friends, you'll learn a lot about yourself, so at the end of the day, I think she's got it. I hope she gives her best and enjoys every minute," said the half-Italian Celeste, dressed as a "Celestial Goddess" at the ball.

Celeste admitted that she could also look at Michelle's evening gown and national costume. "I love it! It's something very unique, and that's all I'm gonna say, or else she will kill me," she added, laughing.

Opulence Ball 2023

Celebrities, influencers, and other prominent figures channeled their inner deities at the Opulence Ball 2023, a highly-anticipated event by Raymond Gutierrez.

He revealed that the preparation for the event took three years, with original plans to host it in 2020 dashed by the pandemic's untimely arrival.

"Just producing all of this together is a lot of challenges, but I’m surrounded by a good team. We interpreted the theme of mythology into their fashion extravaganza…This is purely a form of creativity. Tonight, we are here to express ourselves, inspire people and show how creative Filipinos are,” noted Raymond, who came with his lawyer-beau, Robert William.

The Gutierrez family came in full force to show their support for Raymond. Kapamilya actor Richard Gutierrez donned a Gladiator-inspired attire while older sister Ruffa radiated elegance as Cleopatra in a queenly outfit coated with 12-carat gold leaf. The usually feisty Annabelle Rama exuded an ethereal aura in an ensemble designed by Regine Tolentino while her forever-hubby Eddie Gutierrez looked like the King of Rock and chanted: "Elvis is in the building!"

Other celebrities spotted at the ball in their eye-catching attires were Vice Ganda, Piolo Pascual, Anne Curtis, Solenn Heussaff,  Andrea Brillantes, Hayden Kho and Vicky Belo, James Reid and Issa Pressman, Kaila Estrada, Chie Filomeno, Kylie Versoza, Billy Joe Crawford and Colleen Garcia, Aubrey Miles and Troy Montero, KC Montero, Rajo Laurel, Mikki of BGYO, Paolo Paraiso, Nicole Cordoves, Katrina Llegado, Janeena Chan, Leon Barretto as well as other models and influencers.