Michelle Dee. Image: Instagram/@michelledee
Almost a year after winning Voice for Change at Miss Universe 2023, Michelle Dee revealed that she hasn’t received the plum until now while noting it as the “most personal award” in her pageant stint.
Dee spoke about her Voice for Change award in her Instagram Broadcast channel on Monday, Sept. 16, while reiterating her dedication to pushing for autism awareness.
“The Voice For Change Award was undoubtedly one of the most important and THE MOST personal award to encompass my journey. As you all know—my brothers and those on the autism spectrum have been a lifeline of purpose and passion for the things that I do—even before my 7-year pageant journey started,” she said.
Image: Screengrab from Instagram/@michelledee
The actress-beauty queen admitted that she’s “still waiting” to receive her award. She then pointed out that her win came with the “Bayanihan spirit.”
“But of course, winning would not have been possible without the #bayanihan spirit, which didn’t come cheap. At present, I’m still waiting for the release of the VFC award and I’m hoping that they do before the next set of winners,” she said.
Despite this, Dee said she’s looking forward to knowing about the advocacies of the delegates of the upcoming Miss Universe 2024 tilt.
“Definitely excited to learn more about the advocacies the delegates are championing for though. All love,” she said.
The Miss Universe Organization has yet to address Dee’s statement, as of press time.
Dee is one of the Gold winners of the global tilt’s Voices for Change awards, which turned the spotlight on her advocacy for autism awareness. This advocacy is rooted in her love for her two siblings who are diagnosed with the condition.
Angola’s Ana Coimbra and Puerto Rico’s Karla Guilfu also earned the Gold titles.
The Voice for Change is meant to showcase the beauty queens’ “range of social impact initiatives” in showing their commitment to “embody Miss Universe’s mission of empowering confident women to make the world a better place,” per the global tilt’s Instagram post.
“‘Voice for Change’ taps into the core values of both Miss Universe and CI Talks: amplifying voices, advocating for a brighter future, and encouraging global citizens to take meaningful action. By sharing their personal stories and passions, these delegates aim to inspire a worldwide movement, proving that beauty truly transcends borders, backgrounds, and beliefs,” its post added.
Dee ended her Miss Universe 2023 journey in the Top 10. Aside from the Voice for Change award, she was also named Best in National Costume, Spirit of Carnival Award, and Fan Vote Winner.
Bulacan’s Chelsea Manalo will vie for the Philippines’ fifth Miss Universe crown on Nov. 16 in Mexico.