Michelle Dee of Makati City has triumphantly secured the coveted title of Miss Universe Philippines 2023, sending ripples of pride across the pageantry world.
Read also: Makati’s Michelle Dee crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2023
Besting 37 dynamic candidates on Saturday, May 13, 2023, the fiery Filipina queen has left an indelible mark on the prestigious competition, following in the footsteps of the exceptional Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi.
Here are five fun and quick facts about the newly crowned queen.
1. She GREW UP in Utah
The new Miss Universe Philippines titleholder was born on April 24, 1995. She was raised on her family’s ranch in Utah, USA.
It was where she learned to be independent, a lesson that would come in handy in her journey towards becoming a well-rounded individual and beauty queen.
2. Her mom is Miss International 1979 Melanie Marquez
Michelle’s mother, actress Melanie Marquez, was crowned Miss International in 1979 and has since become a prominent figure in the pageant scene.
The 28-year-old beauty queen seems to have inherited her mother’s beauty and smarts, but she has also made a name for herself beyond just being the daughter of a beauty queen.
Read also: Michelle Dee ready for another showdown in pursuit of Miss Universe Philippines crown
3. She has a degree in Psychology.
Michelle originally did not want to pursue pageantry, and initially focused on her studies.
She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from De La Salle University, where she was academically consistent.
However, her fans’ encouragement and inspiration led her to try out her luck in the pageant world, and ultimately paved the way for her Miss Universe Philippines 2023 win.
4. She has a budding acting career.
Before joining pageants, Michelle had already discovered her love for acting. She finds that acting fuels her creativity and has even turned this passion into a career.
In 2019, Michelle started acting in films and in just two years, she was hailed as the Best New Movie Actress by the 36th Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC) Star Awards for her performance in the film Because I Love You.
5. An adrenaline junkie
Michelle’s beauty, brains, talent, and adventurous spirit may have been instrumental in her Miss Universe Philippines 2023 win, but she's not just a pretty face. She's also a courageous spirit willing to face new challenges and opportunities.
In fact, she’s into contact sports like boxing and has a passion for adventure.
Her love for adrenaline has been with her since she was a child, where she first learned to ride an ATV.
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