Michelle Dee. Image: Instagram/@sparklegmaartistcenter
As Michelle Marquez Dee’s Miss Universe Philippines reign is about to end, she reminded the aspirants eyeing her crown to go back to the reason why they want to win the title.
“It’s the last stretch, so just make sure you double down on your trainings. Just remember your core, why you are here. What are you fighting for? Because at the end of the day, that is what will matter the most. Anong pinaglalaban ninyo (What are you fighting for) on the Miss Universe stage? Because as we all know, Miss Universe is an amazing platform to really create those positive changes all around the universe,” she said at the “Sunkissed Runway” fashion show in Manila on May 17.
“This is the last five days before the big night, and one of these girls is going to be the next Miss Universe Philippines. How are you all feeling? A lot of anxiety, a lot of pressure, I know how it feels, twice akong sumali eh (I joined twice),” continued Dee, who also took the runway with the 53 delegates for the show mounted by a skin care and clothing brand that provided the swimwear and wraps used.
Before Dee was crowned Miss Universe Philippines last year, she first joined the national pageant in 2022 where she was proclaimed as Miss Universe Philippines-Tourism. Celeste Cortesi edged her out of the main prize that year.
The reigning queen declined to reveal who she can see inheriting her crown, and said all the delegates can possibly win. “I am a firm believer that on that night destiny will prevail, and we can’t pinpoint one specific person. Because at the end of the day, whoever shines the brightest on May 22 will really be the deserving head to be crowned,” she said.
But Dee confessed that she is in no hurry to relinquish her title. “I’m definitely not ready to pass the crown yet. Feeling ko talaga iiyak ako (I will really cry) on stage. I mean, I always say that this is the end of a one-year reign, but also a closing chapter of a seven-year pageant journey. So once again, thank you so much,” she shared.
Dee started training for pageantry months before she embarked on her journey to the Miss World Philippines crown, which she eventually won in 2019. She later finished in the Top 12 of the Miss World pageant in the same year.
She also said that she is excited for the woman who will inherit her Miss Universe Philippines crown. “Marami kayong gagawin, hindi pa talaga tapos ang trabaho (You will do a lot of work, your job does not end just yet). This is going to be the first step in an amazing journey for the rest of your lives. And take it from me, I have had such a wonderful year,” Dee said.
The outgoing queen also aired her plea to the aspirants: “Just breathe, relax. [On] May 22, the only request I have for each and every one of you is to have fun. Just have fun and enjoy the night, because it is arguably one of the best Miss Universe Philippines productions to date, so you all are very, very lucky. So everybody that’s watching on the night, you are in for an amazing show.”
The 2024 Miss Universe Philippines pageant will hold its coronation show at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on May 22. Emmy award-winning host Jeannie Mai will handle the ceremonies with 2022 Miss Universe R’Bonney Gabriel, actor Alden Richards, “eventologist” Tim Yap, and actress Gabbi Garcia.
Thai superstar Win Metawin, “RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs the World” season 2 finalist Marina Summers, and Filipino pop band Lola Amour are also slated to perform in the show.
The winner will represent the Philippines in the 73rd Miss Universe pageant in Mexico later this year. Four additional titles under the brand of The Miss Philippines will also be bestowed to four new national queens after the ceremonies—Miss Supranational Philippines, Miss Charm Philippines, Miss Eco International Philippines, and Miss Cosmo Philippines.
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