Michelle Dee (center) is crowned by outgoing Miss Universe Philippines Celeste Cortesi after she won the 2023 Miss Universe Philippines beauty pageant held at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City on Saturday, May 13. Looking on is reigning Miss Universe R'Bonney Gabriel. (Screenshot from ABS-CBN YouTube)

Like mother, like daughter.

It's the second time around for Kapuso actress Michelle Dee to compete in an international pageant after she was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2023 during a competition held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City Saturday night.

Dee, 28, will represent the Philippines at the Miss Universe 2023 Competition in El Salvador later this year. In 2019, she competed in the Miss World beauty contest in London, where she finished in the top 12.

She is now the second Filipino beauty queen to both represent the Philippines in Miss World and Miss Universe contests.

The first one was Filipinio-Australian beauty queen Catriona Gray competed at the Miss World stage in the US in 2016. She finished in the top 5. In 2018, Gray represented the country at the Miss Universe Competition in Thailand and won the crown.

Dee joined pageantry after being inspired to follow in the footsteps of her mom, actress Melanie Marquez, who won Miss International in 1979 in Japan. Her father is businessman Frederick Dee.

In a previous interview, Marquez admitted that she encouraged her daughter to join beauty pageants.

"She has the looks. She has the x-factor, she has the height (5'11) and she's a lady like unlike me who is rebellious," said Marquez, during an interview with Boy King of Talk Abunda.

Marquez also shared a piece of advice to her daughter on fashion.

"Ang sikreto kasi ng fashion is you have to be comfortable within yourself. Kahit na ano ang suutin mo, basta comfortable ka, go for it," Marquez also said.

(The secret of fashion is you have to be comfortable within yourself. No matter what you wear, as long as you are comfortable, go for it.)

Dee graduated psychology at the De La Salle University. Later, the 5'10 beauty took up entrepreneurship essentials at Harvard Business School.

She is also signed to Click Model Management in New York. In January 2020, she became a Goodwill Ambassador for the Autism Society Philippines.

Weeks before the finals, Dee had an operation for hemorrhage and bleeding on her 28th birthday celebration.

"On my 28th birthday, the Universe has shown me the importance of pacing myself and focusing on my true priorities. I'll keep moving forward with self-care, pursuing my passions, and appreciating life's precious moments," she wrote on Instagram. "Thank you for all your well-wishes and greetings!"

It was the second try for Dee at the Miss Universe Philippines pageant. Last year, she finished second to Celeste Cortesi, after she was named Miss Universe Philippines Tourism 2022. Just like this year, she also took home the same special award, Best Evening Gown, in 2022.

Dee edged out 37 other candidates for the title of Miss Universe Philippines 2023.

During the first round of the question-and-answer portion of the final five candidates, Cong. Sam Verzosa asked Dee: "Income and inequality are still high in the Philippines. The gap between the rich and the poor remains. How do we close that gap?"

Dee answered: "I think, first, we have to recognize what we have and the privileges that we have such as food, education, and homes. I think the best way to address this is really through education because education holds no status quo. And every Filipino child has the right to an education, but not just any education but quality education. Because I believe if the government can provide this to every Filipino child, then we can not only elevate their quality of life, but we can empower them as well."

For the final round of the Q&A, the final five candidates were asked a common question: "Recently, the Department of Tourism has adopted a new branding campaign, 'We give the world our best.' For you, what is the best that we can offer to the rest of the world? Why do you consider it so?"

Dee replied: "The Philippines is home to beautiful natural resources, from the beaches to 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. No matter where the universe takes me, I'll always be proud to call the Philippines my home. And no matter what happens, I will always be proud to call myself Pinoy."

After two rounds of the Q&A portion, Dee emerged as Miss Universe Philippines 2023.

First runner-up honors went to Christine Opiaza, of Zambales; and Mary Angelique Manto, Pampanga, second runner-up.

In a separate program held at Okada Manila early Sunday morning, May 14, Pauline Amelinckx, of Bohol, was crowned Miss Supranational Philippines 2023 and Krishnah Gravidez, Baguio, Miss Charm Philippines 2023.

Winners of major special awards presented during the finals were Dee, Best in Evening Gown; Gravidez, Best In Swimsuit; Jannarie Zarzoso, Face of Social Media; and Shayne Maquiran, Miss Congeniality.

Christine Opiaza, Zambales, 1st runner-up

Mary Angelique Manto, Pampanga, 2nd runner-up