Miss Universe Philippines Michelle Marquez Dee. Image: Facebook/Miss Universe Philippines
MANILA, Philippines—With just about a month before the new Miss Universe is crowned, the international pageant has now officially started the public voting for the delegates who are competing this year, including the Philippines’ Michelle Marquez Dee.
Reigning Miss Universe R’Bonney Gabriel went on the pageant’s social media pages and said: “Hi Universe. We’re so close to the 72nd Miss Universe competition, and I can’t believe the time is finally here. The good news is, you can help me crown my successor.”
“We just launched the vote for this year’s competition. And all you need to do is download the Miss Universe app to vote for your favorite delegate into the semifinals for the 72nd Miss Universe competition. The first vote is free,” continued the Filipino-American sustainable-fashion designer and advocate, the ninth winner from the United States.
To vote for Dee, launch the official Miss Universe app, then tap on “Delegates.” Scroll to look for “Miss Universe Philippines,” tap it, then tap “VOTE FOR PHILIPPINES NOW.” Users may also tap on the “Vote” tab, scroll to find the photo of “Philippines,” then tap. Succeeding votes will require a form of payment on the platform.
The Filipino contender herself took over the creative direction of the photography that produced the image shown on the app. On the photo, Dee donned a white chest piece resembling fabric blown by the wind. A set of South Sea pearl jewelry from Jewelmer finished the look.
Nelly Seboy styled Dee’s chin-length hair to be coiffed at the back, with wispy bangs cascading down the left side of the face, while Dave Quiambao used soft, nude tones to paint her face. Steven Coralde of Qurator Studio styled the beauty queen, with Dennis Sulit behind the lens.
This is Dee’s second attempt at an international crown. She was crowned Miss World Philippines in 2019, and finished in the Top 12 of the 2019 Miss World pageant. She joined the Miss Universe Philippines competition in 2022, and was proclaimed Miss Universe Philippines-Tourism. She returned for another shot at the national crown and captured the top title in May.
Dee, daughter of 1979 Miss International Melanie Marquez and cousin of 2017 Reina Hispanoamericana Teresita Ssen “Winwyn” Marquez, will compete with about 90 other international delegates at the 2023 Miss Universe pageant in El Salvador. The final competition is scheduled on Nov. 18 (Nov. 19 in Manila). /ra