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Makati City’s Michelle Marquez Dee is Miss Universe Philippines 2023

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Mary Ann Bardinas

<p>Out of 38 confidently beautiful women from different parts of the country that vied for the crown, it was Makati City bet Michelle Dee who was hailed as the newest queen of Miss Universe Philippines 2023 during the coronation night held on Saturday, May 13, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.</p><div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fqA4skFjUAU" title="Makati City" s="" Michelle="" Daniela="" Dee="" is="" Miss="" Universe="" Philippines="" width="1349"></iframe></div><p>The event commenced with a simple production number, with dancers waving orange cloth banners and dashing lads appearing onstage as the candidates paraded in black ensembles in various silhouettes and busted some of their hidden grooves. They were divided into two batches and were introduced one-by-one through their pre-recorded voiceovers. </p><div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MxWsfksyFKE" title="Meet the 38 Phenomenal Women | Miss Universe Philippines 2023" width="1349"></iframe></div><p>It was hosted by Asia’s Multimedia Star Alden Richards and Chinito Heartthrob Xian Lim, along with Miss Universe 2019 and longest reigning queen Zozibini Tunzi as their guest co-host. Serving as backstage correspondents were Tim Yap and Miss Globe 2021 Maureen Montagne.</p><p>After showing a short montage of the activities they attended, as well as the happenings during the awarding of special awards in the preliminary competitions, wherein Bohol’s pride Pauline Amelinckx was able to take home the greatest number of special accolades, the two winners for the next two special awards were named. Capiz’s Shayne Glenmae Maquiran is “Miss Friendship,” while Agusan del Norte’s Jannarie Zarzoso as “Face of Social Media.”</p><p>Winners from the glam shoot, swimsuit, and runway challenges were able to land spots in the Top 18. Starting off with Miss Agusan del Norte, who aced their glamshot; Miss Bohol, who shone the brightest in the swimsuit showdown; and Miss Pampanga Angelique Manto was the one who dominated the runway.</p><div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3zrB3jgFHL4" title="Top 18 Phenomenal Women Announcement | Miss Universe Philippines 2023" width="1349"></iframe></div><p>The other delegates who were part of the Top 18 were Airissh Ramos (Eastern Samar), Parañaque City’s Clare Dacanay (Tiaong, Quezon), Afia Adorable Yeboah (Sorsogon’s Rein Hillary Carrascal, Iman Franchesca (Cristal Mandaluyong City), Jan Marie Bordon (Bacolod), Emmanuelle Vera (Cebu Province), Christine Salcedo (Marinduque), Christine Opiaza (Zambales), Samantha Panlilio (Cavite), Klyza Ferrando Castro (Davao Oriental), and Krishnah Marie Gravidez (Baguio City).</p><p>Of course, a beauty pageant wouldn’t be complete without the panel of judges, right? The elite group includes Managing Director of Smilee Apparel Lyn Lee, Chief Financial Officer and Managing Director of Aqua Boracay Tonee Charmagne Co Hang, Head of Marketing of Avon Philippines and Asia Pacific Region Anna Garces, GMA Network Senior Vice President and GMA Films President and CEO Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, President of Maserati Philippines and Director of Charity of Miss Universe Philippines Congressman Sam “SV” Verzosa, Tingog Partylist Representative and the Chairperson of the Board of Judges Yedda Marie Romualdez, reigning Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Gabriel,  Miss Universe 1973 Magarita “Margie” Moran Floirendo, Executive Director of Net Asia Industries Incorporated Lloyd Lee, Dentist to the stars Dr. Nelda Eufemio, former Women’s Tennis Champion, sports TV Host, and Miss Universe Correspondent of ABS-CBN Broadcasting Dyan Castillejo, and the Chief Marketing Officer of Jewelmer Marion Brandellick de Guzman. </p><div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qjD_EDp00-0" title="Meet the Panel of Judges | Miss Universe Philippines 2023" width="1349"></iframe></div><p>For the swimsuit competition, SV Squad and DJ Patty Tiu hyped the contestants up by serenading them. Cladded in turquoise two-piece bikinis paired with aqua sheer cover-up, they all indeed slayed on the stage. However, it was Miss Baguio who arguably stood out the most as she was named Best in Swimwear.</p><div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qPH23ZiFMYQ" title="Top 18 Swimsuit Competition | Miss Universe Philippines 2023" width="1349"></iframe></div><p>Just when Makati, Bohol, Davao Oriental, Baguio City, Zambales, Bacolod, Agusan del Norte, Sorsogon, Eastern Samar, and Cavite were already announced as the Top 10, host Xian Lim made a special announcement. He said that due to technical difficulties, the committee had resulted to manual tallying, which meant that the Top 18 candidates would compete for the evening gown and vie for the Top 5.</p><p>The 18 fabulous ladies indeed exuded grace and confidence as they sashayed in their stunning designer gowns and beautiful crowning glories. In the end, it was Miss Makati who was proclaimed the “Best in Evening Gown.”</p><div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dsFJzmI4k94" title="Top 18 Evening Gown Competition | Miss Universe Philippines 2023" width="1349"></iframe></div><p>The AVP of the candidates during their pre-pageant activities in Tacloban City, Leyte and Samar were also shown. American Idol Season 11 runner-up and Fil-Am singer Jessica Sanchez owned the stage, too, with her enthralling intermission number. </p><div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ehplx-JYz30" title="Jessica Sanchez’s women empowerment inspired performance | Miss Universe PH 2023" width="1349"></iframe></div><p>Miss Universe Philippines National Director Shamcey Supsup-Lee and Chairperson of the Board of Judges, Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez, and Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Gabriel also graced the stage and offered heartwarming messages. They also paid a little tribute to the second Pinay Miss Universe Margie Moran-Floirendo, who marks the 50th year since she was crowned Miss Universe.</p><p>From 18, only the final 5 moved on to the most exciting round of the competitions – the two-part Question and Answer portion – and they were Miss Baguio City, Pampanga, Bohol, Zambales, and Makati City.</p><div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WxHNFJmQGPI" title="Meet your Top 5 Phenomenal Women | Miss Universe Philippines 2023" width="1349"></iframe></div><p>On the first part, each candidate had to choose one judge each, who would ask them the questions. And here are five finalists’ answers at this segment of the program:</p><div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/O8ugiTXZIqI" title="Top 5 Question and Answer Round | Miss Universe Philippines 2023" width="1349"></iframe></div><p>Dyan Castillejo: “Transwomen athletes are now being allowed to compete in women’s sports events in many international competitions. Do you think that this is a step in the right direction? Why or Why not?”</p><p>Miss Baguio City: “I am all for equality with all genders and I believe that we have the right to participate in any sports. However, I believe that there’s a biological reason that we should not allow transwomen in the [women’s] category because I believe that there’s a right time for that and there are right measurements to be done.”</p><p>Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes: “There were calls by some sectors to ban movies and TV shows that portray the Philippines in a bad light. Should we? Why or why not?” </p><p>Miss Pampanga: “I believe that in every aspect, there are two things – they are the good and the bad. But it’s in the matter of 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 the Philippines for the good and the bad and celebrate it and allow us to appreciate the country that we are in.”</p><p>Rep. Yedda Romualdez: “There are reports of online sexual exploitation of women and children. As a woman, how do we make the digital space safe for you and other women and children?”</p><p>Miss Bohol: “I 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 that 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 you, and make sure that you will be able to get through this. And we can make a difference together.”</p><p>Lloyd Lee: “A recent Goldman Sachs study found out that artificial intelligence tools, or A.I., could impact 300 million fulltime jobs worldwide, which could lead to a significant disruption in the job market. What do you think of this?”</p><p>Miss Zambales: “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 put importance in each and every person, making their costs be seen in each and very aspect in the country. So, we have to balance the A.I. and also the importance of having manpower in the country.</p><p>Cong. Sam “SV” Verzosa: Income inequality is still high in the Philippines. The gap between the rich and the poor remains. How do we close that gap? </p><p>Miss Makati City: “I think first, we have to recognize what we have and the privileges that we have, such as food, education, and homes. I think, the best way to address this is really 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 that if the government can provide this to every Filipino child, then we cannot only elevate their quality of life, but we can empower them as well.”</p><p>Xian then gave them the “Ultimate Question,” which read: “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 could offer to the rest of the world? Why do you consider it so?”</p><div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_on7ljl18D4" title="Top 5 Final Question and Answer Round | Miss Universe Philippines 2023" width="1349"></iframe></div><p>And here are their responses: </p><p>Miss Baguio City: “Having to struggle at a very early age, I had uncertainties but I 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 their days. Because this kindness also made me transform myself from a woman who had nothing to a lady that has the universe in her doorstep.”</p><p>Miss Pampanga: “I come here not just sharing my story, but the multitude of stories that we have yet to hear, especially for those who are struggling in mental health. I believe that the best that we could do and we could share is to remember and to remind everyone the humanity in us. The empathy that have been inside of us all along and to unlock it so that we could provide more humanity in humanity. The best way to share that is to allow people safe spaces for mental health so we could further this advocacy and more.”</p><p>Miss Bohol: “The best that we offer to the world is the Filipino warmth. It is something that we feel in other countries if we see other Filipino communities. But it is something that 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 that the Philippines has to offer.”</p><p>Miss Zambales: “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 being grateful that we 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 and development of each and every individual.”</p><p>Miss Makati City: “The Philippines is home to very beautiful natural resources – from the beaches, the mountains. But I firmly believe that the best natural resource that the Philippines has is us Filipinos. We are the true heart and soul of the Philippines. The way we are hospitable, the warm smiles. And we are the reason why the world keeps coming back for more. No matter where the universe takes me, I will always be proud to call the Philippines my home. And no matter what happens, I will always be proud to call myself Pinoy.”</p><p>Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi  had her much-awaited moment, which was her final walk before she passed on the crown to the next queen.</p><div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KZE73g0n1Hs" title="Celeste Cortesi’s Farewell Walk | Miss Universe Philippines 2023" width="1349"></iframe></div><p>Eventually, Pampanga’s Angelique Manto is named the 2nd runner-up, while Zambales’ Christiane Opiaza as 1st runner-up. As it was still unknown in which international competitions Miss Bohol Pauline Amelinckx and Miss Baguio City Krishnah Gravidez are going to represent the country and when they will be crowned, Miss Makati City’s Michelle Marquez Dee is hailed Miss Universe Philippines 2023. </p><div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/msXaOwtNnPc" title="Phenomenal Queens Crowning Moment | Miss Universe Philippines 2023" width="1349"></iframe></div><p>Congratulations, ladies! Cheers for our newest Miss Universe Philippines 2023, Michelle Marquez Dee! <br/> </p>

Let’s look back on some of the highlights from Miss Universe Philippines 2023, including the winning moment of its newly-crowned queen Michelle Marquez Dee in this feature!