Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Marquez Dee (Facebook)

Michelle Dee - a 28-year-old model, entrepreneur, and actress - bested 37 other candidates from all over the country to be crowned as the new Miss Universe Philippines 2023. The 5'10 looker will represent the country at Miss Universe 2023 to be held in El Salvador later in the year.

Shortly after being named the winner, Dee said her mother being in the crowd that night was her "lucky charm." The new queen is the daughter of actress and legendary Miss International 1979 Melanie Marquez. Her advocacy during the competition was autism awareness, as she has two half-brothers who have special needs.

Dee displayed her winning form in a chignon hairstyle and black gown designed by Mark Bumgarner. She was named Best in Evening Gown after being previously named Miss Aqua Boracay, Miss Pond's, and Miss Zion Philippines during the preliminaries. She was also named the new PLDT Home Ambassador.

Dee first joined Miss Universe Philippines 2022 where was declared Miss Universe Philippines Tourism 2022, second only to Celeste Cortesi. Prior to this, she had a Top 12 semifinal finish in Miss World 2019 held in London, United Kingdom.

During the first question-and-answer segment of MUPh 2023 for the final five finalists, Dee was asked by the judge, Cong. Sam Verzosa, what she thinks about income inequality in the Philippines. "The gap between the rich and poor remains. How do we close that gap?"

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

After the first Q&A, the final five candidates wore soundproof headphones and answered 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 could offer to the rest of the world? Why do you consider it so?"

Dee answered: "The Philippines is home to very beautiful natural resources, from the beaches to the mountains, but I firmly believe that the best natural resources 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 will always be proud to call the Philippines my home, and no matter what happens, I will always be proud to call myself Pinoy."

Hosted by Kapuso heartthrobs Alden Richards and Xian Lim, the pageant also declared other winners:

Miss Zambales Christine Juliane Opiaza was the first runner-up while Miss Pampanga Mary Angelique Manto was second runner-up.

Aside from Best in Evening Gown won by Dee, the other major awards were Best in Swimsuit won by Miss Baguio Krishnah Marie Gravidez. Miss Congeniality went to Miss Capiz, Shayne Glenmae Maquiran while Face of Social Media was bagged by Miss Agusan Del Norte Jannarie Zarzoso.

"Technical difficulties" marred the program held at the SM MOA Arena. After the Top 10 finalists were named, the hosts called back the Top 18 contestants to parade in their evening gowns. Afterward, the final five candidates were called, which now included Miss Pampanga Angelique Manto, who was not called in the Top 10.

In a separate coronation ceremony in Okada Manila, Miss Bohol Pauline Amelinckx was proclaimed Miss Supranational 2023 while Miss Baguio Krishnah Marie Gravidez was named Miss Charm Philippines.

Like mother, like daughter

It's the second time around for Dee to compete in a prestigious international pageant after she was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2023. 

Dee 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!"