Makati candidate wins Miss Universe Philippines 2023

Miss Universe 2023 Michelle Marquez Dee. Photo from official Miss Universe Philippines Facebook page

MAKATI City’s very own Michelle Marquez Dee was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2023 during the pageant’s coronation night held Saturday night at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Besting 38 other contestants, the 28-year-old stunner takes home a brand-new crown dubbed La Mer en Majesté.

Christine Opiaza of Zambales is the first runner-up while Pampanga’s Angelique Manto landed as second runner-up.

For the first question during the Q&A segment, Marquez was asked, “Income inequality is still high in the Philippines. The gap between the rich and the poor remains. How do we close that gap?”

To which she confidently answered, “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 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.”

Marquez shared her winning answer saying, “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 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 will always be proud to call the Philippines my home. And no matter what happens I will always be proud to call myself Pinoy. Thank you,” she added.

Also an actress herself, Marquez is born to celebrity parents, former actor Frederick “Derek” Dee and to actress, author, former supermodel, and Miss International 1979 Melanie Marquez.

Dee is a pageant veteran who was crowned Miss World Philippines 2019. During the finals night of the Miss World 2019 competition at the ExCel Stadium in London, England, Dee entered the Top 12 semifinals.

She also joined Miss Universe 2022 where she was crowned Miss Universe Philippines Tourism 2022, second to the eventual winner, Celeste Cortesi.

Marquez will represent the country in the 72nd Miss Universe pageant which will be held in El Salvador. Half Filipina and reigning Miss Universe R’Bonney Gabriel of the United States will crown her successor at the end of the event.