Michelle Dee on winning Miss Universe Philippines 2023: '#DeePaTapos ang laban'
Michelle Dee has opened up about the unseen difficulties she experienced in her journey to the highly coveted Miss Universe Philippines 2023 crown.
"It's not done until it's won. That has been my mindset not just for this year but for all the times I joined Miss Universe Philippines," Michelle began her post.
"No matter how it looks, it was never and it never got easier to prepare for each time I would compete. Each year was full of hard work, sacrifices, and risks that I hope pay off in the end. Winning this year validates not just to me but to every Filipino that with hard work, perseverance, and passion, you can achieve anything," she added.
The beauty queen paid tribute to the people who supported her from the beginning: her team, management, sponsors, designers, family, and friends.
"To the Miss Universe Philippines Organization, thank you for trusting me to represent the Philippines on the international stage. All the efforts and hard work I did to win the crown yesterday will not stop there," Michelle said.
The country's representative to the upcoming 72nd Miss Universe pageant also singled out her supporters for cheering her on throughout her pageant journey. "When the going gets tough, your support is what pushes me to keep going #MMDVerse," she wrote.
Michelle concluded her post by dedicating the next chapter of her pageant journey to each Filipino she will represent at the international tilt set in El Salvador this year.
"Knowing this doesn't just inspire me. It pushes me to work even harder and to dream bigger. It pushes me to do whatever it takes to bring home the Miss Universe crown to the Philippines. #DeePaTapos ang laban. Naguumpisa palang tayo," Michelle concluded.
Michelle was announced as Miss Universe Philippines 2023 during the May 13 coronation night at Pasay's Mall of Asia Arena. Christine Opiaza (Zambales) was named first runner-up, followed by Angelique Manto (Pampanga) who won second runner-up. Krishnah Gravidez (Baguio), meanwhile, was crowned Miss Charm Philippines.