Michelle Dee grateful for Filipinos seeing her hard work in Miss Universe stint

Metro Manila, November 30 ------ Miss Universe Philippines Michelle Marquez Dee took it with pride when she saw overwhelming support from Filipinos after ending her journey in the global pageant. Dee's stint at Miss Universe 2023 ended in the Top 10, but she was among the “Voice for Change” challenge winners and even bagged the Best National Costume Award. Nicaragua's Sheynnis Palacios was crowned the winner.

"Of course, I was one of the most bashed Miss Universe Philippines after winning," Dee told CNN Philippines' New Day on Tuesday. "To be able to convert everyone through hard work, blood, sweat, and tears, that's an amazing victory for me." "To be able to win all of your hearts through representing all of you with the best of my abilities, I really can't say thank you enough," the beauty queen added.

Dee said her goal in the international pageant held in El Salvador on Nov. 19 (Manila time) was to make sure to give her best and bring the Philippines along for the ride. She said it was overwhelming for her that Filipinos saw her and her team's hard work and dedication. "Just the way they received me in the airport, I didn't expect it. Nakakaiyak talaga [It made me emotional]," Dee said.

Many Filipino pageant enthusiasts were ecstatic to see Dee parading a tattoo-inspired evening gown during the semi-finals, which was a tribute to the oldest living mambabatok Apo Whang-Od. Now back in the Philippines, Dee hinted she will be joining a show with a very special role, as well as a possible project with Miss Thailand Anntonia Porsild.

Source: cnnphilippines.com