LOUD cheers, bright smiles, warm hugs, and a pool of Filipinos proudly waving Philippine flags.
These are what welcomed Michelle Marquez Dee when she finally set foot on Philippine soil on Saturday, following the recently concluded 72nd Miss Universe pageant, where she settled for a top 10 finish and won special awards.
Dee, who was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2023, was greeted by her family, friends, and supporters at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 on Saturday evening, November 25.
The 28-year-old autism awareness advocate updated netizens that she landed in the country at 6:55 p.m., as she shared a photo of an airplane window seat on her Instagram broadcast channel.
Dee immediately faced the media and her fans who attended her grand “salubong” to thank them for their immense support.
“I just want to make sure na as much as possible, I can really show my gratitude to everybody that has shown their support for the Philippines,” the Filipina beauty queen said.
“I really try to express that gratitude to as many people as possible. Doon po talaga yung focus ko. I’m so indebted to all of you,” she added.
Dee told fans that she gave her all in the global competition, despite not taking home the country’s fifth crown. The special awards that she won are a testament to how well-prepared the Philippines was to compete in the pageant, she said.
She bagged four special recognitions in the competition: “Voice for Change” Gold winner, Spirit of Carnival winner, Fan Vote winner, and Best National Costume award.
“Alam niyo naman na ginawa ko po talaga lahat, lahat ng makakaya ko para ipaglaban lang tayo,” she said.
She continued, “Sayang, alam niyo kung ano yung sayang. Pero lahat ng nangyayari may dahilan.”
But the Filipino crowd told Dee that she is still the winner in their hearts.
Dee also recreated her iconic Miss Universe introduction, but this time, with the participation of her Filipino fans.
When she chanted her name “Michelle Marquez Dee,” the crowd responded in chorus, “Filipinas!”
She then took the opportunity to take photos with her supporters.
Also present in Dee’s grand salubong were her mom, Miss International 1979 Melanie Marquez, and Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) national director Shamcey Supsup.
Actress Rhian Ramos and Miss Grand Philippines 2021 Samantha Panlillio were also at the NAIA Terminal 1 to welcome the beauty queen.
Dee returns to acting
Now that the prestigious pageant has ended, some might be wondering what’s next for the beauty queen.
Prior to her arrival in the country, Dee teased netizens on X (formerly Twitter) about her upcoming television project.
“Joining a show soon with a very ‘special role.’ Any guesses?” she said.
The Sparkle artist dropped a clue and said: “ala-Freya.”
Dee’s last television project was the 2023 fantasy series “Mga Lihim ni Urduja,” where she gave life to one of the villains named Freya, a highly-skilled bounty hunter who is after the jewels of legendary warrior princess Urduja.
Some netizens guessed that the actress would join GMA’s ongoing action series “Black Rider,” headlined by actor Ruru Madrid.
“I’m sure it’s Black Rider! Bagay sayo pero sana hindi ka member ng Golden Scorpion,” one X user said.
Others believe she will join the cast of the forthcoming fantasy series “Sang’gre: Encantadia Chronicles.”
The Kapuso network recently revealed the new generation of Sang’gres, with Bianca Umali being the new keeper of “Brilyante ng Lupa,” Faith Da Silva for “Brilyante ng Apoy,” Angel Guardian for “Brilyante ng Hangin” and Kelvin Miranda for “Brilyante ng Tubig.”
The filming for the forthcoming TV series started this month.
