Held at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, Metro Manila on May 13, 2023, the Miss Universe Philippines 2023 grand coronation night saw Makati’s Michelle Marquez Dee crowned as the newest Miss Universe Philippines titleholder. The next representative of the country reigned supreme in a roster of 38 candidates .

Michelle, 28, will be the Philippines’ official representative to the upcoming 72nd Miss Universe pageant in El Salvador this year.

Prior to her Final 5 stint and Q&A segment, Michelle was also awarded Best in Evening Gown where she bested 17 other aspiring beauty queens. She moved up to Top 10 and emerged as one of the finalists. Overall, she snagged a slew of recognitions and received Face of Pond’s, Miss Aqua Boracay, and Miss Zion Philippines.

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In the Part 1 of the Q&A portion, she was asked about income inequality and bridging the gap between the rich and the poor. She replied: “I think the best way to address this is really through education because education holds no status quo, and every Filipino child has the right to an education—not just any education but quality education. If the government can provide this to every Filipino child, then we cannot only elevate their quality of life but we can empower them as well.”

During the final Question and Answer, the remaining five delegates were served the same question: “Recently, the Department of Tourism has adopted a new branding campaign, ‘We give the world our best.’ For you, what is the best that we can offer to the rest of the world? Why do you consider it so?”

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Michelle Dee answered: “I firmly believe that the best natural resource that the Philippines has is us Filipinos. We are the true heart and soul of the Philippines—with the way we are hospitable, with the warm smiles,” she quipped. “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 the Philippines my home, and no matter what happens, I will always be proud to call myself Pinoy,” Michelle says.

Michelle succeeded the reign of Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi. She edged out 2nd Runner-Up Angelique Manto of Pampanga and 1st Runner-Up Christine Opiaza of Zambales. Bohol’s Pauline Amelinckx and Baguio’s Krishnah Gravidez, meanwhile, earned Miss Supranational Philippines 2023 and Miss Charm Philippines 2023, respectively.

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Browse through the gallery below for fast facts about Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Marquez Dee:

Michelle Dee’s mother is actress, model, and Miss International 1979 Melanie Marquez.@michelledee

@michelledee

She was raised in her family’s ranch in Utah, USA.@michelledee

@michelledee

Apart from clinching the Miss Universe Philippines 2023 crown, she is also Miss World Philippines 2019.@msworldphil via @michelledee

@msworldphil via @michelledee

The Evening gown ensemble that she donned at the pageant was designed by Mark Bumgarner.ABS-CBN Entertainment on YouTube

@iamdoc via @michelledee

She is an advocate of autism awareness and acceptance and is a staunch supporter of Autism Society Philippines (ASP).@michelledee

@michelledee

She earned a Psychology degree and was educated at the De La Salle University. @kimweeebol_ via @michelledee

@michelledee

She completed an online course in Entrepreneurial Essentials at Harvard Business School.@victorchou8 via @michelledee

@michelledee

In 2019, started her career in showbiz.@michelledee

@michelledee

In 2021, she was awarded Best New Movie Actress at the 36th PMPC Star Awards for Movies for her stellar acting in “Because I Love You.”@migspastor via @michelledee

@dennisulit

She is active, loves adventure, and is a big bike and boxing buff!@michelledee

@michelledee

Lead photos by @iamdoc and from @michelledee

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