(From left) Pia Wurtzbach, Michelle Dee. Images: Instagram/@piawurtzbach, Instagram/@michelledee
Pia Wurtzbach believes Michelle Dee has a chance to win the Miss Universe 2023 crown, although she reminded the crossover stunner to be firm with her vision and to not pay attention to comments on social media.
Wurtzbach spoke about Dee’s “queenly” traits on the sidelines of her “Queen of the Universe” huddle, while stating that the latter is a beauty queen who is “clear about her vision” and “knows what she wants.”
“We’re ready,” she said. “What I love about Michelle and I’ve mentioned that before, she’s clear about her vision. She knows what she wants. But she says it in a sweet and gentle way [which] is very queenly.”
The Miss Universe 2015 titleholder then noted that Dee is “firm” in her vision and that she knows what kind of approach to take in the global tilt. “You need someone who is firm in her stance on things.”
“She knows na that she wants this type of hair. She knows her advocacy,” she continued. “She knows what she wants to talk about. She knows what styling to go for, and I appreciate that in a winner.”
Wurtzbach also revealed that she was able to get a sneak peek at the gown that Dee will be wearing, although she said she “won’t share” any details.
“I’m very excited to see what she has in store for us and she gave me a sneak peek… pero noong una kong nakita, kinilig ako para sa kanya (but when I first saw it, I was so happy for her),” she said.
“As in sabi ko, ‘Girl, ang ganda (As in I said, girl it’s beautiful)!’ I’m sure people will have the same reaction. Basta I loved it and that’s my reaction,” she added.
From one queen to another
Wurtzbach, who disclosed that she will have a “moment to speak to [Dee] in private,” wants the beauty queen to savor her experience and to “stick” to her strategy.
“And when it comes to social media, people are going to be waiting for updates. People are going to be looking for updates. Plan that,” she said. “But don’t read the comments.”
While laughing, the former beauty queen stressed that while it’s “tempting” to pay attention to comments, it’s more important to focus on what matters.
“Don’t read it, girl! It’s tempting pero (but) it’s time to focus on the bigger thing that matters, which is the crown,” she added.
During the interview, Wurtzbach declared that the Philippines has a huge “fighting chance” to win the Miss Universe 2023 title.
“I’m actually gonna have a moment to speak to [Michelle Dee] in private and nang mas matagal (for a longer time) this weekend,” she said. “I’m preparing the notes that she needs to remember, just the trivial things so she can have a nice routine because I think they’re going to be there for a few weeks.”
READ: Michelle Dee aware of developments in Miss Universe pageant, says MUPH’s Shamcey Supsup-Lee
With a smile, the former beauty queen also noted that the Philippines is a country that produces winners. “We have that advantage.”
“We have experts, mentors, trainers here who are involved in every aspect of the preparation,” she continued. “Even styling, advocacy and social media.”
Wurtzbach is the third Filipina to win the Miss Universe title, in 2015, after Gloria Diaz in 1969 and Margarita Moran in 1973. Meanwhile, Catriona Gray also won the coveted title in 2018.
Dee will represent the Philippines in the 2023 edition of the global tilt in El Salvador on Nov. 18.