Beauty queen Michelle Marquez Dee may not have brought home the crown from Miss Universe 2023, but she undoubtedly gained a wealth of experiences and connections that will last a lifetime.
“Looking back, with how hands-on I was in every single detail, from the smallest elements to the execution of the onstage plan, my team and I meticulously planned everything, and honestly, I wouldn’t want to change anything. I don’t know what I could have changed. I have so much respect for my creative team. I wouldn’t change anything because I gave my 200 percent to the competition,” Michelle told Manila Standard Entertainment.
In a homecoming press conference, Michelle shared her key takeaways from the prestigious pageant, emphasizing the friendships she forged and the gratitude she felt for the support she received.
“Honestly, it’s the relationships I was able to build. This was my second international pageant, so my biggest takeaway is that you meet many people who share the same passion and purpose to create a better world,” she said.
The 28-year-old model and actress highlighted the strong bonds she developed with her fellow Miss Universe contestants, particularly Miss Nicaragua Sheynnis Palacios, Miss Mexico Melissa Flores, and her roommate, Miss Indonesia Fabiënne Groeneveld.
Michelle’s friendship with Miss Universe Thailand, Anntonia Porsild, captured the hearts of pageant fans worldwide. Their journey from “rivals” to close friends became a testament to the power of unity and understanding. Michelle described their initial lack of interaction due to competition assignments but emphasized their intention to showcase their friendship to the world.
“Anntonia and I, we weren’t able to converse so much during the start of the competition because we didn’t have a chance since we were assigned to different areas,” she said.
She added that the intention of her first-ever photo with the Thai beauty queen was to show their fans that there was no bad blood between them, contrary to several contents circulating online during the height of the pageant.
“Medyo nagka-away away na ‘yung fans,” Michelle said. “And our intention with our very first photo was really to show that we’re on good terms. If the two of us are on good terms, then our fans really should unite as well or at least be more respectful towards each other.”
Michelle also revealed plans to visit Anntonia in Thailand and expressed her eagerness to witness Anntonia’s crown turnover.
“I’ll fly to Thailand for Anntonia’s crown turnover, and she’ll also visit the Philippines when it’s my time to relinquish my crown,” she revealed.
Since her return to the Philippines, Michelle has been busy expressing her gratitude to her supporters and embracing the opportunities that have come her way. She appeared on various TV shows and attended numerous media interviews.
For her TV comeback, Michelle will be part of Black Rider, which stars Ruru Madrid and Yassi Pressman.
“I’m going to be part of the series’ extended season,” she said.
