Miss Makati Michelle Marquez Dee was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2023 with her winning answer during the final Question-and-Answer Portion.
She bested Miss Bohol Pauline Amelinckx and Miss Baguio Krishnah Marie Gavidez.
The runner-ups were Miss Zambales Christine Juliane Opiaza and Miss Pampanga Mary Angelique Manto.
READ: Makati’s Michelle Dee crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2023
For the final round, the Top 5 candidates were given the same question.
Pageant host Xian Lim asked each of them: "Recently, the Department of Tourism has adapted a new branding campaign, 'We give the world our best.'
"For you, what is the best that we can offer to the rest of the world? Why do you consider it so?"
MISS MAKATI MICHELLE DEE
Answer: "But I firmly believe that the best natural resource that the Philippines is us Filipinos. 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. No matter where the universe takes me, I'll always be proud to call the Philppines my home. And no matter what happens I will always be proud to call myself Pinoy."
READ Michelle Dee revamps strategy for second Miss Universe Philippines bid
MISS BOHOL PAULINE AMELINCKX
Answer: "The best that we offer to the world is the Filipino warmth. It is something that we feel in other countries when we see other Filipino communities. But it is something we feel even more evidently here in the Philippines. And with this slogan at heart, with this value within us, we'll be able to bring so many people together to make a meaningful change out there and show them the best the Philippines has to offer."
MISS BAGUIO KRISHNAH MARIE GAVIDEZ
Answer: "Having to struggle at a very early age, I have uncertainties. But I've received kindness a lot of times. So now, aside from it's free, I give kindness to everyone. Because this kindness can go a long way, can motivate someone, can give radiance to rainy days. Because this kindness also made me transform myself from a woman who have nothing to a woman who has the universe on her doorstep."
READ Baguio's Krishnah Gravidez forgoes diet days before MUPH 2023 coronation night
MISS ZAMBALES CHRISTINE JULIANE OPIAZA
Answer: "The best that we can give to this world is to be of good cause, to find our purpose. To wake up every single day, be grateful that you still have the chance to live and to see the beauty of life. To find your purpose and make something out of it. To create a great change for the people around you, yourself, your family, and your community. And I hope we strive for betterment of each and every individual."
MISS PAMPANGA MARY ANGELIQUE MANTO
Answer: "I come here not just sharing my story but the multitude of stories especially to those who are struggling in mental health. I believe the best that we can do and we can share is to remember and to remind everyone of the humanity in us. The empathy that is inside us all along and to unlock it so that we can provide more humanity in humanity. The best way to share that is to allow people safe spaces for mental health so we can further this advocacy and more."
THE FIRST ROUND OF MISS UNIVERSE PH 2023 Q&A
All five candidates also went through the first round of Q&A were they were given different topics to answer.
It was Alden Richards who hosted this segment, and he called the judges whose respective questions were picked by Michelle, Pauline, Krishnah, Christine, and Mary Angelique.
MISS MAKATI MICHELLE DEE
Question from Cong. Sam Verzosa: "Income and inequality is still high in the Philippines. The gap between the rich and poor remains. How do we close that gap?"
Answer: "I think, first, we have to recognize what we have, the privileges that we have such as food, education, and homes. I think the best way to address this is through education because education holds no status quo. And every Filipino child has the right to an education, but not just any education but quality education. Because I believe if the government can provide this to every Filipino child, then we can not only elevate their quality of life, but we can empower them as well."
MISS BOHOL PAULINE AMELINCKX
Question from Cong. Yedda Romualdez: "There are reports of online sexual exploitation of women and children. As a woman how do you make the digital space safe for you and other children and women?"
Answer: "I'll make the digital space safe by taking the lead in that action. By making sure that what I put out there is the truth and also a message of hope for everyone else. And for anyone who finds himself or herself in such a situation, know that there are people out there who will be able to help you, reach out to, and make sure that you'll be able to get through this. We can make a difference together.
MISS BAGUIO KRISHNAH MARIE GAVIDEZ
Question from Dyan Castillejo: "Transwomen athletes are now being allowed to compete in women's sports events in many international competitions. Do you think this is a step in the right direction? Why or why not?"
Answer: "I am all for equality with all genders. I believe that we have the right to participate in any sports. However, I believe there is a biological reason that we should not allow transwomen in the women category. Because I believe there is a right time for that and there is right measurements to be done."
MISS ZAMBALES CHRISTINE JULIANE OPIAZA
Question from Lloyd Lee: "A recent Goldman Sachs' study found that artificial intelligence tools or AI could impact 300 million full-time job worldwide, which could lead to a significant disruption in the job market. What do you think of this?"
Answer: We are moving forward progress and growth. But change is not always about progress. We have to consider that manpower really pulls the economic development of each and every country. We have to to put importance in each and every person making their crops be seen in each and every aspect in the country. So we have to balance the AI and also the importance of having manpower in the country.
MISS PAMPANGA MARY ANGELIQUE MANTO
Question from Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes: "There were calls by some sectors to ban movies and TV shows that portray the ph in a bad light. Should we? Why or why not?"
Answer: "I believe that in every aspect there are two things, there are the good and the bad. But it's in the matter how we receive the images that we are sharing about the Philippines. We always share the good, the beauty there is in the Philippines. But we must also accept that in every aspect there is the bad. And we must learn and grow from that and improve the country that we are in. And hopefully, we see Philippines for the good and the bad and celebrate it and allow us to appreciate the country we're in."
THE JUDGES FOR MISS UNIVERSE PH 2023
The panel of judges who decided the fates of the 38 candidates for Miss Universe Philippines 2023 was comprised of Lyn Lee (Managing director of Smilee Apparel), Tonee Charmagne Co Hang (CFO of Aqua Boracay), and Ana Garces (Head of marketing Avon Philippines).
Joining them were Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes (GMA Network SVP and GMA Films President and CEO), Cong. Sam Verzosa, Cong. Yedda Marie Romualdez, reigning Miss Universe 2023 R'Bonney Gabriel, and Miss Universe 1973 Margarita Moran.
Other judges included Lloyd Lee (Executive Director of Net Asia Industries Incorporated), Dr. Nelda Eufemio (dentist to the stars), Dyan Castillejo (ABS-CBN sports correspondent), and Marrion Brandellick De Guzman (chief marketing officer of Jewelmer).
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