Capturing the coveted Miss Universe Philippines 2023 crown is a real feat, and Michelle Dee’s reign as the Philippine representative to the Miss Universe 2023 pageant is only the beginning. As the official delegate of the country, she delights in the fact that being the Philippines’ titleholder is the first step to snagging the prestigious Miss U 2023 title.

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As her personal tagline says, #DeePaTapos, Michelle’s journey to the Miss Universe stage is just getting started. Succeeding Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi, Michelle, 28, is gearing up for the 72nd edition of Miss Universe in El Salvador, happening on November 19, 2023 (PHT).

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Earlier today, Michelle took on the preliminary competition and lit up the catwalk with her performance. She competed against 83 candidates in the Swimsuit and Evening Gown segments, where she stunned in a Rubin Singer swimwear and a Mark Bumgarner evening ensemble.

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Here are some highlights of Michelle Dee’s stint at the prestigious Miss Universe Philippines 2023 pageant:

1. Top 10 - From a pool of 38 candidates, the pageant narrowed down the delegates to 10. Michelle was named as one of the official Top 10 contenders, moving up to the Evening Gown competition.@themissuniverseph

@themissuniverseph

2. Best in Evening Gown - Besides being crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2023, Michelle Dee was awarded Best in Evening Gown at the MUPH competition in May 2023. She bested 17 aspiring beauties and took home the title.@iamdoc via @michelledee

@themissuniverseph

3. Special Awards - Michelle also snagged a slew of awards at the prestigious pageant apart from the sought-after Miss Universe Philippines crown. She captured special awards such as Miss Aqua Boracay, Face of Pond’s, and Miss Zion Philippines.@sevenbarretto via @michelledee

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4. Question & Answer - Michelle’s beauty and brains are definitely a tough tool as a Miss Universe Philippines delegate. In the pageant, she aced the Q&A portion with the answer, “I firmly believe that the best natural resource that the Philippines has is us Filipinos. We are the reason why the world keeps coming back for more. No matter where the universe takes me, I will always be proud to call myself Pinoy.”@iamdoc via @michelledee

@jewelmer via @themissuniverseph

5. Coronation - Edging out 2nd Runner-Up Angelique Manto and 1st Runner-Up Christine Opiaza, Michelle Dee earned the panel and the people’s praise and the coveted title. She was then crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2023. @michelledee

@dennisulit via @michelledee

Lead photo by @dennisulit via @michelledee

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