Miss Universe Philippines 2023 is the fourth edition of the national competition. The coronation night was held on 13 May 2023, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines. Celeste Cortesi of Pasay crowned Miss Makati Michelle Marquez Dee asMiss Universe Philippines 2023. Michelle Marquez Dee of Makati City will represent the Philippines at the Miss Uhttps://www.pageantempress.com/pageant/miss-universe-philippines-2024-official-delegates/niverse 2023 competition, scheduled to be held in El Salvador at the end of 2023. Overall, thirty-eight stunning ladies from all across the nation have come together to be the next Miss Universe Philippines and bring glory to their country. The event was hosted by Alden Richards, Xian Lim, and Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi from South Africa.
Who is Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee?
Michelle Daniela Marquez Dee was born in Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines on April 24, 1995, to businessman and former actor Frederick “Derek” Dee and to actress, author, former supermodel, and beauty queen Melanie Marquez, who was previously Miss International 1979. She is of Chinese descent from her father. She grew up loving farm animals and enjoying the countryside, both in Utah and in her family’s hacienda in Mabalacat, Pampanga, Philippines. She attended De La Salle University in Manila, Philippines, and graduated with a degree in psychology. She competed at Miss World 2019 in London where she finished as the Top 10 semifinalist. While growing up with two autistic siblings, has made her empathetic toward people with special needs. It has inspired her to work with children with autism as the Goodwill Ambassador for Autism Society Philippines since 2019. She aspires to solve or help get the message across to people with autism. She has founded a series of businesses such as Drip Therapy Co., WHATFUTURE, and INVIRO INC. That focus on health, multi-media creation, and WEB3 adoption respectively. She is also the President of Inner Peace Foundation, which was founded in 1981 by her grandmother Regina Dee (former director of Chinabank Corporation for over 20 years) and has since taken charge after her father’s accident.
During the national contest, Michelle Dee impressed the judges’ panel with her intellectual abilities at the Top 5 Quesitons and Answer round.
Sam Verzosa: Income inequality is still high in the Philippines. The gap between the rich and the poor remains. How do we close that gap?
Makati’s Michelle Dee replied: 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.
Final Question: The Department of Tourism has adapted 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?
Miss Makati Michelle Dee replied: “But I firmly believe that the best natural resource that the Philippines is us Filipinos. We are the true heart and soul of the Philippines with the way we are hospitable, with our 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.”
She is 28 years old pageant veteran Michelle was crowned as Miss World Philippines 2019 and competed at the Miss World 2019 contest in London, UK where she finished as Top 12 Semi-Finalist. Last year Michelle joined Miss Universe Philippines 2022 where she placed as the 1st Runner-Up to Celeste Cortesi. Her previous accomplishments and her relatability showing her vulnerable side make her a transformative leader. She is going to represent the Philippines at the international pageant of Miss Universe 2023 held in El Salvador later this year. Standing at the towering height of 178cm 5 feet 10 inches tall, Michelle aims to become the fifth Filipina woman to wear the Miss Universe crown, with her impressive humanitarian background, many incredible accomplishments, and pageant experience. It can help her secure a spot in the semi-finalists at Miss Universe after last year’s unplacement at the international contest.
What do you think of Michelle’s chances at Miss Universe? Comment below
