Michelle Dee says she's ready to conquer Miss Universe global pageant: 'I’m giving it everything that I have, 200% of myself'
Miss Universe Philippines Michelle Dee assured Filipino pageant fans that she will waive the Philippine flag on the international stage flawlessly by doing her best during one of the world's biggest beauty pageants.
“I’m giving it everything that I have—two hundred percent of myself, I’m dedicating it to my crown. I’m working on the different aspects of my campaign just to make sure that when I fly to El Salvador, I’m 100% ready. Walang mahahanap na butas,” the 28-year-old beauty queen said in an interview with GMA’s Unang Balita.
Likewise, Dee also told the outlet that she’s been preparing for the global tilt “almost every day.”
“So patayan ang training almost every day. We also have requirements to fulfill, and responsibilities with our sponsors. If you see my schedule this month, puno talaga, but of course, we have to know how to make our priorities list,” she said while noting that her mom, Miss International 1979 Melanie Marquez, was her lucky charm so she made sure she is flying with her.
Talking about her styling and wardrobe, Dee revealed that her gowns would be designed by Mark Bumgarner, the same designer of her black gown during the Miss Universe Philippines 2023 pageant that won the Best in Evening Gown.
“Let’s just say na same siya sa Miss Universe Philippines 2023. It’s Mark Bumgarner, of course. He knows what I want to achieve. He knows the vision. I truly believe that the gown will become iconic afterwards,” she said without revealing any details other details about her preliminary or coronation gown.
Moreover, the soon-to-be Air Force reservist will also bring "beauty with a purpose" to El Salvador highlighting her advocacy on Autism Awareness.
Speaking to PhilSTAR L!fe, Dee who starred in Netflix's Keys to the Heart said that advocating for autism awareness is her lifelong mission, and she feels connected to the members of the autism community because she has two brothers from the spectrum. Participating in the movie is a reminder of why she advocates for it and decided to compete in Miss Universe again.
"Advocating for autism awareness is a fulfilled life for [me]. I have two siblings from the autism spectrum—one older, one younger," she said, adding that through this film, "We can start so much better conversation about autism [and] spread so much awareness and education."
Michelle hopes to bring home the country’s fifth crown after Gloria Diaz, Margarita Moran, Pia Wurtzbach, and Catriona Gray in the international competition in El Salvador which is scheduled on Nov. 18.
You can help her by voting for her via the Miss Universe app.