Michelle Dee. Image: Instagram/@michelledee
Michelle Dee expressed admiration for Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi after she won the crown, describing her as a queen deserving of the title. At the same time, Dee may be hinting at another pageant run.
Dee, who won as Miss Universe Philippines-Tourism 2022, spoke about her and Cortesi’s friendship while showing their moment during the announcement of the winner of the Miss Universe Philippines title, via Dee’s Instagram page today, May 2.
“I have always believed that everything in life happens for a reason. As [Celeste Cortesi] and I gave our all to win the crown, in the end we always knew only one of us would win,” she said. “No one can take her destiny away from her because she is queen well-deserved and a true friend for that matter as well. Glad to have shared this moment with you just like we manifested.”
The beauty queen also expressed her gratitude for the support she received during the pageant, noting that her final stage moment with Cortesi was an “intense” experience for her.
“This moment was probably one of the most intense in my life (so far) but at the end of it all, [I’m] filled with nothing but gratitude for the love, lessons and endless support I’ve received,” Dee stated. “No effort will go unnoticed and I promise to come out stronger.”
“Mahal ko kayo (I love you) and who knows this might not be the last,” she added with the hashtag #deepataposanglaban.
Cortesi shared the same sentiments as she called Dee her friend, in a reply she sent via the comments section.
“Babe, so glad I’ve shared this moment with you. Just like we manifested. More than anything else, I’ve found a friend and couldn’t be happier to share this experience with you and Kat,” she said, seemingly referring to Taguig delegate Katrina Llegado.
Image: Instagram/@michelledee
Aside from Dee and Cortesi, other winners in the Miss Universe Philippines pageant last Saturday are Pauline Amelinckx who was named Miss Universe Philippines-Charity, Annabelle MacDonnell who placed first runner-up and Llegado as second runner-up. JB
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