Michelle Dee was recently crowned as Miss Universe Philippines.
On Instagram, the actress, who also won the Miss World Philippines title in 2019, expressed gratitude to those behind her success.
"It's not done until it's won," the daughter of former beauty queen-actress Melanie Marquez posted on social media recently.
Note she won the MUP title on her second attempt.
According to her, it was her mindset both times she joined the pageant.
"No matter how it looks, it was never and it never got easier to prepare for each time I would compete. Each year was full of hard work, sacrifices and risks that I hope pay off at the end. Winning this year validates not just to me but to every Filipino that with hard work, perseverance and passion, you can achieve anything," the Miss Universe Philippines Tourism 2022 titlist related.
More than anything, the 28-year-old model reiteratedshe did not win the crown alone.
She thanked the people who supported her journey, including her team, her management, and her many sponsors.
"And especially to the generous designers, Thank You for believing in me and for helping me turn my dreams into reality," she added. "Without your creative input, dedication and trust, I know I wouldn't be here today."
She also expressed gratitude to family and friends, for supporting her through all the ups and downs of her "crazy and amazing ride."
"Thank you for being my rock and for giving me the strength to keep going," she added.
Michelle also expressed her appreciation to the Miss Universe Philippines Organization for "trusting" her to represent the country on the international stage.
She promised to sustain the effort and hard work she did to win MUP.
The Kapuso star capped off her post by thanking her supporters.
"When the going gets tough, your support is what pushes me to keep going. #mmdverse," she related.
"The next chapter of my pageant journey is no longer my own. It's for each Filipino that I will be representing in El Salvador. Knowing this doesn't just inspire me. It pushes me to work even harder and to dream bigger. It pushes me to do whatever it takes to bring home the Miss Universe crown to the Philippines," she ended. "#DEEPATAPOS ang laban. Naguumpisa palang tayo."