Michelle Dee is Miss Universe Philippines 2023! This is after the Miss Universe Philippines 2023 coronation night concluded yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. She bested Zambales’ Christine Opiaza (first runner-up), Pampanga’s Angelique Manto (second runner-up), Bohol’s Pauline Amelinckx (Miss Supranational Philippines 2023), and Baguio’s Krishnah Gravidez (Miss Charm Philippines 2023). Now you might be curious about the newly-crowned queen, so we have done the research and are here to serve you some fast facts about her!
View this post on Instagram
#1 Michelle Dee’s Parents
Photo: Michelle Dee
Michelle Dee is the daughter of Miss International 1979 Melanie Marquez, who is also an actress, author, and former supermodel. Meanwhile, her father is a businessman and former Filipino actor, Frederick “Derek” Dee. Moreover, she reportedly comes from a line of business magnates as the granddaughter of the late Regina Dee, the former decades-long director of Chinabank Corporation.
Related story: Melanie Marquez Pens Words of Encouragement to Michelle Dee Ahead of Miss Universe Philippines Coronation Night
#2 Michelle Dee’s Winning Evening Gown
Aside from the title, Michelle won “Best in Evening Gown” on Miss Universe Philippines 2023. The winning evening gown she wore at the beauty pageant was designed by Mark Bumgarner, specially made to complement her and not outshine her. “I wanted Michelle to shine and not the dress,” the couturier said in an Instagram post. Apparently, Bumgarner also vowed to “never participate in any pageants ever again,” except Michelle did not take no for an answer!
View this post on Instagram
#3 Michelle Dee’s Winning Answer
Host Xian Lim asked the Miss Universe Philippines 2023 top 5 finalists, “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?”
Michelle Dee’s answer that won her the crown was, “[The] Philippines is home [to] very 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 warm smiles, 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. Thank you.”
#4 Michelle Dee’s Awards
View this post on Instagram
Before becoming Miss Universe Philippines 2023, Michelle was also Miss World Philippines 2019 and competed for the Miss World title in England where she finished in the Top 12. The beauty queen also thrives in her acting career being hailed Best New Movie Actress of the Year in 2021 at the 36th PMPC Star Awards for Movies for her performance as Gianna in the movie “Because I Love You.”
Related story: Michelle Dee Ends Her Miss World 2019 Journey in the Top 12
#5 Michelle Dee’s Advocacy
The Psychology graduate from De La Salle University is an advocate for mental health and autism awareness. Michelle reportedly grew up with two autistic siblings which led her to work closely with related non-government organizations such as the Autism Society Philippines (ASP). She is also the president of Inner Peace Foundation, which is “basically a group of people that come together to share their experiences and help each other grow,” according to her in a previous interview.
Related story: Michelle Dee Appointed Goodwill Ambassador of Autism Society Philippines
View this post on Instagram
Adding to the list of her awards, Michelle was also presented with her alma mater’s Green Zeal Award of Excellence in 2020 for upholding this advocacy. And, she was named one of the “People To Watch” by Rising Tigers. The leadership magazine recognized her efforts to “use her platform to help everyone achieve their highest potential” as the founder of Drip Therapy Co., WHATFUTURE, and INVIRO INC., which focuses on health, multi-media creation, and WEB3 adoption respectively.
View this post on Instagram
What are your thoughts on this? Tell us in the comments!
Do you want us to feature your business, story, or video? Email me at gizelle.wheninmanila@gmail.com or directly message me at When In Manila Gizelle on Facebook. To keep up with the latest news, join our Viber group!
