Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) president Dr. Cecilio Pedro on Thursday presented a distinguished plaque of appreciation to Miss U PH 2023 Michelle Dee in acknowledgment of her significant contribution as a valued member of the Filipino-Chinese community.

The special recognition holds sentimental value, as K. Chong, the late grandfather of Michelle Dee, was not only a renowned philanthropist but also served as China Bank Chairman and Vice President of FFCCCII before.

(Benjamin Cuaresma/IAmigo/MNM)

On Monday (04 Dec 2023), the monthly “Stop and Salute” flag-raising ceremony at Rizal Park in Manila saw the notable participation of Miss Universe Philippines and Air Force reservist Michelle Dee. Joining her were celebrity reserve officers, Philippine Coast Guard Captain Diether Ocampo and Matteo Guidicelli, creating a memorable bonding experience.

The ceremony, witnessed by officials from the National Park Development Authority and various government agencies, is a part of the “Stop and Salute” program initiated by the National Parks Development Committee. This monthly event is a collaborative effort with the Department of Tourism (DOT)-Philippines, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, all united under the banner of the “Salute to A Clean Flag Movement.”

The significance of the event was not lost on the attendees, emphasizing the commitment to patriotism and environmental consciousness. The December gathering added a touch of star power to the occasion, with prominent personalities coming together to honor the flag and promote the values it represents.

(Benjamin Cuaresma/ai/mnnm)

MANILA — In a dazzling display of creativity and patriotism, Michelle Marquez Dee emerged victorious as she clinched the highly coveted Best National Costume Award at the prestigious Miss Universe 2023 competition, as announced by the international pageant organizers on Friday (24 Nov 2023).

The accolade was not merely handed over; Dee’s triumph was sealed through the enthusiastic support of her fans, who rallied behind her in the fan vote.

The Miss Universe Top 10 Finalist’s win adds yet another feather to her cap, marking a grand total of four awards for the accomplished beauty queen and army reservist.

Among her impressive collection of accolades are the Spirit of Carnival Award, recognition as the recipient of the Miss Universe fan vote, and a noteworthy position as one of the three gold winners of the Voice for Change competition.

For the 72nd edition of Miss Universe, Michelle Dee graced the stage in a national costume that paid homage to her military background.

The striking ensemble, inspired by aviation themes, was meticulously crafted by the talented Michael Barassi, the same designer behind Dee’s memorable national costume at Miss Universe Philippines the previous year.

This latest triumph further cements Michelle Dee’s status as a force to be reckoned with in the realm of beauty and pageantry.

(AI/MNM)

MANILA — In response to the widely circulated video depicting Michelle Dee’s removal from a TV guesting line-up in Mexico City, Miss Universe Philippines has issued an official statement shedding light on the incident.

The local beauty pageant organization took to Instagram to address the matter, emphasizing that Michelle had already concluded her segment by the time she exited the line-up.

The statement explained that Michelle, feeling unwell due to a strenuous back-to-back schedule in the preceding week, had taken a break to drink water.

Subsequently, the MUPH team decided to prioritize her well-being and escorted her back to the hotel for rest.

The statement conveyed Michelle’s desire to participate in the city tour if her health permitted, urging pageant enthusiasts to extend their good wishes for her speedy recovery.

Despite an invitation to join the Miss Universe delegation in Mexico for upcoming engagements, a twist unfolded as a video surfaced on social media, capturing Miss Universe owner Anne Jakrajutatip calling an associate to remove Michelle from the line-up during the TV guesting.

Michelle took to her Instagram broadcast channel to express sentiments of “love, empathy, & kindness over everything” and hinted at needing a therapeutic procedure, colloquially referred to as a “drip drip.” She shared her surprise at Mexico’s chilly weather, posting a photo seeking warmth in sunlight and leaving followers with the enigmatic quote, “Success will always be the best revenge.”

In subsequent updates, Miss Universe Philippines clarified that Michelle had indeed joined the Mexico City tour but had to cut it short due to health concerns. Michelle, in her broadcast, disclosed her early return to the hotel, emphasizing the importance of maintaining good health before heading back home.

Despite health setbacks, Michelle Dee secured a spot in the Top 10 of the Miss Universe 2023 pageant and clinched three special awards. The coveted crown went to Nicaragua’s Sheynnis Palacios, capping off the event with a mix of triumphs and unforeseen challenges for the Filipino beauty queen.

(JR AMIGO/AI/MNM)

Philippine bet Michelle Dee has made it into the Top 10 in the Miss Universe 2023 pageant at the José Adolfo Pineda Arena in El Salvador on Saturday (Sunday in Manila).

Dee was announced 6th on the list.

The others who made it into the Top 10 were Miss Puerto Rico Karla Guilfú, Miss Thailand Anntonia Porsild, Miss Peru Camila Escribens, Miss Colombia Camila Avella, Miss Nicaragua Sheynnis Palacios, Miss El Salvador Isabella García-Manzo, Miss Venezuela Diana Silva, Miss Australia Moraya Wilson and Miss Spain Athenea Pérez.

But that was the farthest Michelle Dee got as she dropped out later from contention for the 72nd Miss Universe crown after failing to enter the Top 5.

The Top 5 delegates are Miss Australia Moraya Wilson, Miss Puerto Rico Karla Guilfú, Miss Nicaragua Sheynnis Palacios, Miss Thailand Anntonia Porsild and Miss Colombia Camila Avella.

Michelle Dee’s stunning evening gown that she wore during the preliminaries on Thursday morning (Manila time) was a tribute to her mother, actress and beauty queen Melanie Marquez.

In 1979, Marquez was crowned Miss International — the youngest at the age of 15 — wearing a green gown.

(JR AMIGO/ai/mnm)

MANILA — Expressing optimism about Michelle Dee’s chances of securing the Philippines its fifth crown at Miss Universe, Gloria Diaz, the winner of Miss Universe 1969, shared her views on Michelle in a recent episode of “Gising Pilipinas” on TeleRadyo Serbisyo before the Miss Universe 2023 National Costume Show.

The Philippines’ other Miss Universe winners include Margie Moran in 1973, Pia Wurtzbach in 2015, and Catriona Gray in 2018.

R’Bonney Gabriel, the reigning Miss Universe, will crown her successor on November 18 (the 19th in the Philippines).

Olivia Culpo and Jeannie Mai Jenkins will host the 2023 Miss Universe pageant live from El Salvador on Saturday (Sunday, Nov 19 in Manila).

Acknowledging the significant changes in the pageant scene since her victory over half a century ago, Gloria began by commending Michelle’s mother, Miss International 1979 Melanie Marquez, whom she considers her favorite beauty queen and “the most beautiful” winner.

However, when comparing Michelle to her mother, Gloria gave her a score of seven or eight out of ten.

Despite this, Gloria believes Michelle has a strong chance, emphasizing, “In a beauty contest, it’s not just about beauty, but also intelligence… 100% it’s luck.”

Reflecting on her own experience, Gloria admitted that she wasn’t the most beautiful delegate when she won and acknowledged the role luck played in her victory.

Having met Michelle only once, Gloria recalled being reminded of Melanie’s beauty and kindness. She stated, “[Michelle] is not my first choice. A lot depends on luck, the judges’ preferences, the situation, her gown, physical beauty, and the quality of her answers.”

When asked about the potential impact of Michelle’s popularity on the judges’ decision, Gloria noted that judges are human and might consider audience impact. She also highlighted that the Miss Universe Organization is a business that wouldn’t choose a winner who isn’t embraced by pageant fans.

Expressing her hope for the Philippines to reach the Top 5, Gloria pointed out that semifinalists often include contestants from Asia, South America, and Central America, mentioning countries like the United States and China as contenders.

Gloria noted a difference in popularity between Michelle and Melanie, stating, “Michelle is very popular. Melanie was not popular in the Philippines, then she became super famous.”

Despite her admission that she is often wrong with her opinions and predictions, Gloria’s laughter suggested the possibility of a coronation for Michelle.

(JR AMIGO/ai/mnm)