Michelle Dee. Image: Instagram/@sparklegmaartistcenter
Michelle Dee was full of gratitude after the Department of Tourism (DOT) named her as the country’s tourism ambassador, describing it as a “full circle moment.”
Weeks after representing the Philippines in Miss Universe 2023, Dee was bestowed with the honorary title during a courtesy call at the DOT central office in Makati where Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco was present, as seen on Dee’s Instagram account last Saturday, Dec. 2.
The beauty queen looked breathtaking in a white balintawak Filipiniana by Dee Javier and LVNA by Drake Dustin silver earrings.
“Full circle moment. I’ve always been proud to call the Philippines my home and to call myself Pinoy! To be able to work closely with the Department of Tourism to achieve our shared goal of promoting #FILIPINAS is a dream come true,” she wrote on Instagram.
Dee’s agency Sparkle GMA also congratulated the actress-beauty queen on her newest milestone.
“Congratulations Michelle, we know you will continue to do great things in your role as tourism ambassador! We’re very proud of you,” its caption on Instagram states.
Aside from the honorary title, Dee was also tapped to be part of DOT’s Philippine Experience Program (PEP) which puts the spotlight on the country’s heritage, arts, and culture through regional caravans.
Dee ended her Miss Universe 2023 stint in the Top 10 as Nicaragua’s Sheynnis Palacios was named the reigning titleholder.
Despite this, she caught the attention of pageant fans with her heart-stopping Mark Bumgarner evening gowns and airplane-inspired costume by Michael Barassi where the DOT’s slogan “Love the Philippines” was inscribed.
The beauty queen bagged four awards in the global tilt: Best in National Costume, Fan Vote winner, Spirit of Carnival award, and “Voice for Change” gold honoree.