Michelle Marquez Dee of Makati was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2023 after beating 37 other candidates during the live coronation night held on May 13 at Mall of Asia Arena.
Dee will represent the Philippines at the Miss Universe 2023 pageant in El Salvador.
This is not the first time that Dee has joined the Miss Universe Philippines competition. She was named Miss Universe Philippines Tourism in 2022, and now, she has succeeded Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi.
The Makati bet is also known for representing the Philippines in the Miss World 2019 competition, where she made it to the Top 12.
She is the second beauty queen to win both the Miss World Philippines and Miss Universe Philippines crowns, following in the footsteps of Catriona Gray.
The coronation night was filled with excitement and anticipation as the Top 18 candidates competed in the evening gown competition for a chance to enter the Top 5. Host Xian Lim announced a technical difficulty that led to the cancellation of the Top 10.
In the end, Dee emerged as the clear winner after her final Question-and-Answer Portion.
For the final round, the Top 5 candidates were asked the same question by Lim, "Recently, 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?"
Dee's winning answer was heartfelt and reflective of her love for her country. She said:
"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 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 Philppines my home. And no matter what happens I will always be proud to call myself Pinoy."
The runners-up were Christine Opiaza of Zambales, who placed as first runner-up, and Angelique Manto of Pampanga, who was second runner-up.
Dee is now set to represent the Philippines at the Miss Universe 2023 pageant in El Salvador, where she hopes to bring home the country's fifth Miss Universe crown.
Congratulations, Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Marquez Dee, for a well-deserved win!
