Ending her Miss Universe 2023 journey in the top 10 spot, Michelle Marquez Dee honestly admitted and expressed her disappointment for not being able to advance to the top five for the question-and-answer portions.

In a televised interview on Sunday, Dee mentioned that she spent the whole year preparing for her performance, specifically the question-and-answer portion.

“Sayang, hindi ako nakawahak ng mic," she said, adding that she trained for the whole year for the assurance that there would be no problems if ever she had the moment to enter the Top 5.

According to Miss Universe Philippines 2023, joining the prestigious pageant was all about destiny, saying that it was Sheyniss Palacios of Nicaragua’s moment and extending her support to the reigning title holder.

She may not have advanced to the top five in the said pageant, but it was obvious that Dee gave her all to represent the Philippines and that being acknowledged for her efforts is already enough.

Dee mentioned that she showed everything she could afford on stage and left everything to destiny.

Despite her absence from the top five of the said pageant, Miss Universe Philippines 2023 still showed off her Apo Whang-Od-inspired black gown and was able to walk on the Miss Universe stage, expressing the legendary Filipina tattoo artist.

Dee did not end her Miss Universe 2023 journey empty-handed, as she also bagged three special awards: the Voice of Change, the Spirit of Carnival Award, and Miss Universe's fan vote.