With only five days to go before the Miss Universe Philippines 2024 grand coronation night, reigning queen Michelle Marquez-Dee gave her advice to the 53 competing candidates and expressed her feelings about being not ready to pass the crown.

"As your Miss Universe Philippines, huwag muna magmadali. Take time.Sige tagalan nyo pa yung rehearsals nyo. You know, kasi if you ask me, I am definitely not ready to pass the crown yet. Feeling ko talaga iiyak ako on stage," she told a crowd during a fashion show organized yesterday by a skincare brand in Admiral Hotel Manila.

Michelle said the MUPH 2024 finals on May 22 to be held at the Mall of Asia arena is not just "the end of a one-year reign but also a closing chapter of a seven-year pageant journey."

The Kapuso artist had nuggets of wisdom to dispense to the MUPH 2024 contestants as they prepare for the big day.

"My best advice for all of the girls is, of course, it's the last stretch. So just make sure you double down on your training. Just remember in your core why you are here, what are you fighting for. Because at the end of the day, that is what will matter the most. Anong pinaglalaban niyo on the Miss Universe stage? Because as we all know, Miss Universe is an amazing platform to really create those positive changes all around the universe," she stated.

Her next advice was for the girls to have fun. " Just breathe, relax.The only request I have for each and every one of you on May 22  is to have fun. Just have fun and enjoy the night because it is arguably one of the best Miss Universe Philippines productions to date," she added.

American TV personality Jeannie Mai will host the MUPH finals alongside Miss Universe 2022 R'bonney Gabriel and matinee idol Alden Richards. Drag queen Marina Summers and OPM band Lola Amour who sang the hit "Raining in Manila" are among those performing.