MICHELLE Marquez Dee got everyone on board as she transformed into “Captain MMD” during the National Costume competition of the Miss Universe 2023.
The Philippine bet showed up on the runway in her airplane-inspired national costume made by Filipino designer Michael Barassi.
Dee’s national costume featured the vivid colors of the Philippine flag: blue, red, white and yellow. Her bodysuit was woven into the solihiya pattern, a distinctive type of rattan weave.
The 28-year-old actress also carried on her back airplane-like wings that bore a mural of the Philippines’ tourist attractions like the Chocolate Hills, Mt. Mayon and the Cagsawa Ruins.
At the center of the mural is the country’s official tourism slogan, “#LoveThePhilippines.”
True to her role as “Captain MMD,” Dee also donned a captain’s hat.
“It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s the Philippines!” said host and reigning Miss Universe R’Bonney Gabriel as Dee graced the Miss Universe stage.
Gabriel said that Dee’s costume is “a salute to the delegate’s role as an Air Force Reservist” and a representation of her “resilient and radiant” country.
“There’s no denying she’s the queen of flying in the Philippines,” she added.
Dee ended her runway walk with a vibrant smile and a salute.
The Filipina beauty queen had revealed her attire on Instagram prior to the National Costume show.
“This National Costume represents the Philippines itself — resilient, radiant and ready to embrace the Universe!” she said.
Dee shared that the concept behind her national costume was to promote Philippine tourism that “we are proud to showcase to the universe.”
Barassi also shared a photo of Dee wearing his masterpiece and said, “PILIPINAS, we hope we made you proud,” along with Philippine flag emojis.
Pageant fans and supporters can vote for their favorite national costume through the Miss Universe App.
The Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) organization is once again urging Filipinos to support the country’s representative by voting for her in the National Costume contest.
“Bayanihan, Pilipinas! Vote for the PHILIPPINES in the Miss Universe app!” it said.
To vote, go to the “Vote” tab in the Miss Universe app then click the “National Costume Vote.” Look for Dee’s photo and click the Miss Universe star button below her picture to cast your vote for the Philippines.
The National Costume winner will be announced at the pageant’s coronation night on November 19 (Manila time).
MUO president Shugart steps down
Meanwhile, MUO president Paula Shugart made an important announcement during the pageant’s National Costume show: she is stepping down from her position which she held since 2001.
“I can’t think of a better place than in this beautiful country, on this magnificent stage, to announce the end of my 10 years as the president of Miss Universe,” she declared.
Shugart clarified that her decision “has been months in the making” and was not “a response to recent events,” as her declaration came after JKN Global Group, the conglomerate that owns Miss Universe, filed for bankruptcy in Thailand.
“I stayed because of my belief in El Salvador and my love for the Miss Universe brand,” she stressed.
“I have always passionately believed Miss Universe is not about any one woman; it’s about community, our community. It’s about the passionate fans, the titleholders, the national directors who have remained dedicated to this brand through thick and thin,” she added.
Shugart said she is honored to be part of the Miss Universe family and to join forces with Miss Universe chief executive officer Amy Emmerich.
She also thanked pageant fans for the “incredible adventure” she had with them throughout her years of serving as the organization’s president.
Although she’s stepping down as the MUO’s president, Shugart emphasized that she is not yet retiring.
“I have an unbelievable story to tell and I look forward to telling it,” she said.
Shugart first joined the MUO as vice president of production in 1998.
