Michelle Dee receives FFCCCII recognition after Miss Universe 2023 Top 10 finish

Michelle Dee (second from left) received a special plaque from the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. after her Miss Universe stint. (Noy Morcoso/INQUIRER.net)

MANILA, Philippines – It has been a month since Miss Universe 2023 but Michelle Dee continues to reap the rewards of her impressive stint, as she received a plaque of appreciation from the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FFCCCII).

Michelle received the special plaque from the FFCCCII at what seemed to be a courtesy call at the Fil-Chi business group’s office in Manila last Thursday, Dec. 28, more than a month after ending her Miss Universe stint in the Top 10 along with four special awards.

The actress-beauty queen’s work as the goodwill ambassador of the Autism Society of the Philippines was also recognized at the event.

“There has been an outpouring of opportunities that have presented itself and I’m grateful sa inyong lahat sa patuloy ninyong pagsuporta (I’m grateful for all of your support),” she told reporters after the event.

“Nakakataba ng puso, maraming salamat (It touches my heart, thank you very much). The whole journey is for all of you and I have nothing but gratitude.”

Michelle also hinted that she will continue with her advocacy for autism awareness and “businesses” after her pageant stint.

“I will be continuing my advocacies, my businesses, and [with] my home network. I have a few projects with GMA Network which I’m grateful for. We have movies and nakatakda akong lumipad sa ibang bansa next year which I’m very excited for… Maraming salamat sa pagsubaybay sa aking career, I’m very grateful. Marami kayong aabangan next year,” she said.

(I will be continuing my advocacies, my businesses, and with my home network. I have a few projects with GMA Network which I’m grateful for. We have movies and I’m set travel overseas next year, which I’m very excited for. Thank you for supporting my career. I’m very grateful. Expect more things next year.)

Michelle’s late grandfather, Dee K. Chiong, who served as a philanthropist and chairman of China Banking Corporation, once served as vice president of FFCCCII. She is also related to Regina Y. Dee, a socialite who founded the Inner Peace Foundation.

Following her Top 10 Miss Universe finish, the beauty queen brought home four special awards including Spirit of Carnival Award, Best in National Costume, Fan Vote Winner, and Voice for Change Gold awardee.

She was named as the country’s newest tourism ambassador by the Department of Tourism earlier this month.