Model-actress Michelle Dee won the coveted Miss Universe Philippines 2023 title on Saturday, May 13, earning her a ticket to the annual Miss Universe pageant to be held in El Salvador.
Makati’s Dee, daughter of Miss International 1979 Melanie Marquez, was crowned by her predecessor, Celeste Cortesi, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Dee tweeted on Sunday to celebrate her win, writing, “We did it,” along with the hashtag #deepatapos.
Some netizens showered the 28-year-old with congratulatory messages and said that they were rooting for her to win the fifth Miss Universe crown for the Philippines.
This was the second time Dee tried her luck for the MUPH crown. She joined the pageant last year, winning Miss Universe Philippines Tourism 2022, next to Cortesi.
Dee also represented the country in the 2019 Miss World pageant, where she finished in the top 12.
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During Saturday’s coronation night, Dee was asked about what the Philippines could offer other countries. This is in line with the country’s new branding campaign, “We Give the World Our Best.”
The new slogan drew criticism after it was seen in a bus advertisement in the United Kingdom that featured Filipino-British nurse May Parsons, the first to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to a patient.
One of those who questioned the slogan was Senator Nancy Binay, who said that it seems to “commodify” the Filipino people, but the Department of Tourism defended the branding, stressing that it’s a “statement of fact.”
Presidential Adviser on Creative Communications Paul Soriano, meanwhile, said on Saturday that the branding campaign “intends to let the whole world know how good, compassionate, and competent Filipinos are.”
Dee answered that while the Philippines has beautiful natural resources, the best thing the country has to offer is its people.
“We are the true heart and soul of the Philippines, with the way we are hospitable, with the warm smiles, and we are the reason why the world keeps coming back for more,” she said, earning cheers from the crowd.
Baguio’s Krishna Marie Gravidez was named Miss Charm Philippines 2023, and Bohol’s Pauline Amelinckx won the title of Miss Supranational Philippines 2023.
Zambales’ Christine Opiaza and Pampanga’s Angelique Manto were recognized as first runner-up and second runner-up, respectively.
Thirty-eight women competed for the MUPH crown this year.
