A FEW days before she crowns her successor, Filipina beauty queen Michelle Marquez Dee marked her first year of becoming Miss Universe Philippines 2023.
On Monday, Dee posted an Instagram reel that featured her crowning moment last year in the Miss Universe Philippines 2023 competition. The video also showed her mom, Miss International 1979 Melanie Marquez, joining her onstage.
“This has been an incredible year for the books and one heck of a ride all together. I really couldn’t have done this without the unwavering support and hard work of so many,” she wrote in the caption.
The 29-year-old beauty queen expressed her gratitude to everyone who supported her and her vision as Miss Universe Philippines.
“This journey has been ours, a true representation of our resilience and a celebration [of] who we’re proud to be,” Dee said.
It was on May 13, 2023, when Dee clinched the Miss Universe Philippines 2023 crown, earning her a ticket to the 72nd edition of Miss Universe competition held in El Salvador.
She represented Makati City in the national pageant and promoted her life-long advocacy of autism awareness.
Dee won the Miss Universe Philippines crown on her second try in the national pageant. She joined the competition in 2022 where she earned the title of Miss Universe Philippines Tourism 2022, next to her predecessor Celeste Cortesi.
Dee is set to crown the next Miss Universe Philippines titleholder on May 22 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Her successor will represent the country in the 73rd Miss Universe competition, which will be held in Mexico.
Runway Challenge Top 5
On Sunday, the Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) organization announced the Top 5 delegates for the Runway Challenge.
The list included Matea Mahal Smith of Florida, Alexie Brooks of Iloilo City, Angel Rose Tambal of Leyte, Ma. Ahtisa Manalo of Quezon Province, and Stephanie Faye Gerona of Quirino.
Before this, the MUPH organization announced the Top 5 delegates for the Swimsuit Challenge and Interview Challenge, and the Top 3 beauty queens for the National Costume competition.
Candidates who will win the weekly challenges of the Miss Universe Philippines pageant will automatically earn a slot at the finals. Pageant fans and enthusiasts may cast their votes for their preferred candidate via Miss Universe Philippines app.
Before the coronation night, the MUPH organization said it will hold the Preliminaries Gala Night on Sunday, May 19, at the Fiesta Pavilion of the Manila Hotel. The event will be hosted by Dee and actor Marco Gumabao.
