THE PRELIMINARY competition of the 72nd Miss Universe pageant just happened today, November 16 (Manila time), and Michelle Marquez Dee left no crumbs with her charismatic performance.
Loud cheers erupted at the National Gymnasium in El Salvador as the 28-year-old beauty queen introduced herself using “Filipinas” to represent the country.
She then set the stage on fire when she sashayed on the runway in a red one-piece swimsuit during the swimwear competition.
The swimsuit collection with four different designs that the delegates modeled was the masterpiece of American designer Rubin Singer.
Dee showcased onstage the swimsuit with a plunging V neckline and low-back design.
The Philippine bet entered the catwalk and was introduced as an award-winning actress advocating for individuals on the autism spectrum.
“Growing up with two siblings on the autism spectrum inspired Michelle to work closely with advocacy groups,” announced host and reigning Miss Universe R’Bonney Gabriel.
“This 28-year-old award-winning actress has set up a foundation that aims to provide opportunities to those on the spectrum,” she added.
Dee continued to devour during the evening gown segment as she strutted a shining green cutout dress from Mark Bumgarner, in her signature “S” walk.
The gown was adorned with over 30,000 Swarovski crystals, according to Vogue Philippines. The beauty queen described Bumgarner’s masterpiece as “an ode to my legacy and a gem to my country.”
“While completing an online course at Harvard, Michelle founded multiple businesses focusing on health and multimedia creation,” host Vanessa Velasquez said as she described Dee during the prelims.
“In her free time, this 28-year-old entrepreneur enjoys scuba diving, motocross, and martial arts,” she added.
Tomorrow, November 17, Filipinos will witness Dee’s performance in the National Costume competition.
The Filipina beauty queen had hinted at her national costume by releasing a video of her receiving a certificate of attendance for participating in some Basic Citizen Military Training (BCMT) sessions with the Philippine Air Force (PAF).
‘Voice for Change’
Dee was proclaimed as a top 10 silver finalist for the pageant’s “Voice for Change” category at the preliminary competition.
The campaign, sponsored by the Miss Universe crown provider Mouawad and CI Talks, aims to give a platform for delegates to promote their advocacies.
The Philippine representative has been pushing for autism awareness to create a more inclusive and sustainable world.
The other nine “Voice for Change” silver finalists are Angola, Brazil, Chile, Lebanon, Puerto Rico, Singapore, South Africa, Ukraine and Zimbabwe.
The top 3 gold winners will be announced during the pageant’s coronation event on November 19 (Philippine time).
The winners will take home $12,000 each and will create a video campaign with CI Talks.
