WITH only two weeks left before a new Miss Universe queen is crowned, Filipinos are unleashing their “Bayanihan” spirit by continuing to vote for Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Marquez Dee in the 72nd Miss Universe pageant.
The Miss Universe Philippines organization announced on its social media accounts that the 28-year-old beauty queen currently ranks second in the Voice for Change category of the global competition.
“SALAMAT, PILIPINAS! Miss Universe Philippines Michelle Marquez Dee has climbed one spot higher thanks to all your votes!” the MUPH said.
It encouraged Filipinos to continue voting for Dee to secure the top spot.
In her Voice for Change video entry, the Philippine bet promoted autism acceptance, inclusivity, and empowerment–three things she believes are “foundational pillars to creating a more inclusive and sustainable world.”
With two brothers on the autism spectrum, Dee has been pushing for autism awareness both as a beauty queen and a goodwill ambassador of Autism Society Philippines (ASP).
Aside from the Voice for Change category, Dee is also aiming to win in the pageant’s online fan voting, as the winner will automatically advance to the semifinals.
The Filipina beauty queen is among the top three delegates in the Asia-Pacific region, along with Myanmar’s Amara Bo and Thailand’s Anntonia Porslid.
Pageant fans and supporters may continue casting their votes through the Miss Universe website or app.
Dee in LA
Dee is currently in Los Angeles, California to prepare for the Miss Universe 2023 pageant on November 18 in El Salvador.
The Sparkle GMA Artist Center shared several photos of Dee’s arrival in the U.S. and said that she “plans to spend a couple of days in LA” before flying to El Salvador.
Dee had the opportunity to meet her supporters at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 before leaving the country on October 31. She expressed her gratitude to her fans who sent her off.
“Grabe kayo! Nakakataba po talaga ng puso. Remember that i’m not flying alone, but with all of your love and support fueling me,” she wrote in an Instagram post.
“#LabanPilipinas!!!!!! Papunta na tayo sa exciting part,” she added.
The beauty queen from Makati previously told republicasia that Filipinos may look forward to a “tenacious” Dee in the upcoming pageant, as she competes to clinch the Philippines’ fifth Miss Universe crown.
Miss U apartment vacated
Reigning Miss Universe R’Bonney Gabriel moved out of the Miss Universe apartment in New York City, two weeks before she crowned her successor.
The Filipina-American beauty queen posed for several photos with her “plant babies,” with large boxes and suitcases at the back.
“Packing up my plant babies and moving out of the Miss Universe apartment. Definitely going to miss it,” Gabriel said.
“Hope the next queen enjoys it just as much as I did,” she continued.
Gabriel also asked netizens about who they think will be the next Miss Universe who will move into the apartment.
Some of them are rooting for the representatives of Thailand, Philippines, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, India, South Africa, Canada, and France.
The preliminary competition of the pageant will be held on November 15, while the National Costume Show will be on November 16.
