Michelle Dee remained optimistic as she concluded her Miss Universe journey in the top 10. She took to social media to express her heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported her.
“We did what we could but destiny has greater things for us! Everything ALWAYS happens for a reason!” she wrote.
The beauty said she’s still trying to compose her thoughts and feelings and stressed that she’s “truly indebted” to everyone.
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Dee also emphasized her pride in representing the country and showing the essence of “bayanihan,” “We showed the whole universe what our #BAYANIHAN spirit can do and let’s keep shaking them. Mahal na mahal ko kayo.”
In a separate post, the 2023 Miss Universe Philippines shared an artwork featuring a photo of her donning her elegant tattoo-inspired evening gown and photos of Apo Whang-Od in the background.
She captioned, “Never doubt that we Filipinos can always move mountains and make history together – in more ways than one. #BAYANIHAN #DEE5TINY.”
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The 28-year-old expressed her excitement to go back to the Philippines and mentioned that she was feeling homesick.
Designed by Mark Bumgarner, Dee’s evening gown paid tribute to Whang-Od, the oldest and legendary tattoo artist from the Kalinga tribe.
Despite being unable to make it to the top 5, Dee snagged special awards at the competition, such as the Spirit of Carnival Award and Miss Universe Fan Vote. She was also among the Gold winners of the Voice for Change for her autism awareness advocacy, alongside Miss Universe Angola Ana Coimbra and Miss Universe Puerto Rico Karla Acevedo.
ALSO READ: LOOK: Michelle Dee Slays at the 72nd Miss Universe Preliminary Competition
Meanwhile, Nicaragua’s Sheynnis Palacios was crowned as the 72nd Miss Universe, making history as the first representative in her country to win the title.
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