MICHELLE Marquez Dee, 28, representing Makati City, was crowned as Miss Universe Philippines 2023, besting a field of 38 contestants in glittering ceremonies held at SM MOA Arena Saturday night.
Michelle, the 5-foot-9 daughter of actress and former Miss International Melanie Marquez, was crowned by her predecessor Celeste Cortesi who beat her to the coveted crown at last year’s edition where she was named Miss Universe Philippines Tourism, the equivalent of first runner-up.
As the new titleholder, Michelle earned the right to represent the Philippines at the 72nd edition of Miss Universe to be held in El Salvador in central America later this year.
During the first round of the final question-and-answer portion for the five finalists, Rep. Sam Verzosa asked Dee: “Income and inequality are still high in the Philippines. The gap between the rich and the poor remains. How do we close that gap?”
Dee replied: “I think, first, we have to recognize what we have and the privileges 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, 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.”
For the second and final round of q&a, the five finalists were each asked the same question: “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 can offer to the rest of the world? Why do you consider it so?”
Michelle’s answer: “The Philippines is home to 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 the 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.”
Aside from the coveted title, Michelle was also awarded the Best in Evening Gown award, the same special title she won last year.
Michelle’s mom Melanie and siblings were present at the MOA Arena to cheer nad support her.
The first runner-up was Christine Opiaza of Zambales; while Angelique Manto from Pampanga was second runner-up.
In a brief program held during the after party at Cove Manila of Okada Manila early Sunday morning, May 14, Pauline Amelinckx, of Bohol, was crowned as Miss Supranational Philippines 2023 and Krishnah Gravidez from Baguio as Miss Charm Philippines 2024.
Other special winners presented during the finals were: Gravidez, Best In Swimsuit; Jannarie Zarzoso of Agusan del Norte, Face of Social Media; and Shayne Maquiran of Capiz, Miss Congeniality.
Michelle is a graduate of Psychology from De Sa Salle University. She is also also an actress, bagging the New Movie Actress award in the 36th PMPC Star Awards for Movies. In GMA where she is a Sparkle Artist, she has starred in a couple of Kapuso shows such as “Love You Two,” “One of the Baes,” “Agimat ng Agila,” and “I Left My Heart In Sorsogon.”
Like Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, Michelle also previously held the title of Miss World Philippines 2019 and made it as a top 12 finalist at the 69th Miss World Pageant in London in 2019.
Special guests at the finale were reigning Miss Universe R’Bonney Gabriel, the first Filipino-American beauty queen to win as Miss Universe; and Miss Universe 1973 Margie Moran Floirendo who both sat in the panel of judges; and Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi who co-hosted a segment of the show.
