GET ready to stand in line and wave the Philippine flag as the country is set to welcome home its queen.
The Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) organization announced on Friday that Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Marquez Dee is scheduled to return to her homeland on November 25.
The organization invited Filipinos to participate in the “Bayanihan-style” grand salubong for the 28-year-old beauty queen at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 on Saturday at 6:55 p.m.
“Show your love and support for Michelle by giving her the welcome she deserves after making the nation proud with her much-applauded performance and Top 10 placement at the 72nd Miss Universe competition,” it said.
Sparkle GMA Artist Center, Dee’s talent agency, also posted the announcement of its artist’s homecoming on its social media platforms.
On Friday, the actress-beauty queen shared on her Instagram broadcast channel that she just landed in Los Angeles, California.
The autism awareness advocate ended her Miss Universe journey in the top 10 of this year’s pageant held in El Salvador.
The coveted title was brought home by Sheynnis Palacios, the first Nicaraguan beauty queen to win the Miss Universe crown.
Although Dee had fallen short in bringing the country’s fifth Miss Universe win, the Filipina beauty queen bagged three special recognitions: “Voice for Change” Gold winner, fan vote winner, and the Spirit of Carnival award.
She also started the country’s streak again in advancing to the semifinal round of the pageant when she settled for a top 10 finish.
A DEEserved grand homecoming
With her astounding performance in the 72nd Miss Universe competition, many Filipinos believe that Dee deserves a “grand” homecoming. Some of them are suggesting a parade for the beauty queen.
“Dasurvvv [Deserve] ni Michelle ang homecoming parade mygossssshhh walang tapon ang performance,” one netizen posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Another social media user said that Dee would still be remarkable despite not winning the crown.
“Her advocacy and determination to make us all proud of our country is enough to make her deserving of a homecoming parade,” they stressed.
Prior to leaving for LA, Dee graced the Miss Universe Gala Dinner in Mexico City.
She and Thailand’s Anntonia Porsild, who placed first runner-up at the pageant, wore a twinning deep pink gowns when they walked the event’s runway.
