Michelle Dee on joining Miss Universe Philippines anew: 'I have so much to prove'

Michelle Dee is not giving up on her Miss Universe dream.

On Wednesday's episode of "Fast Talk With Boy Abunda," the beauty queen shared her motivations for once again joining the Miss Universe Philippines pageant.

Michelle came close to winning the crown last year after finishing in the Top 2 alongside eventual titleholder Celeste Cortesi.

"I feel like I have so much to share and so much to prove and so much inspiration to share to people who look up to me," she said.

"The crown is really more than just a title. It's really a platform for change—for positive change," she said.

Michelle said last year is one of the most difficult of her life and she said her experiences led her to once again pursue the Miss Universe crown.

According to Michelle, it is her mom, Miss International 1979 Melanie Marquez, who taught her to stay strong and believe in her worth.

"So, just like my mom, I just really want to inspire people to achieve their best self and to take that struggle and turn it into your strength."

Michelle said Melanie did not encourage or discourage her to join pageants but her mom is behind her 100%.

"She believes that I'm capable of greater things and a greater version of myself. And she supports me through and through."

Michelle Dee is included in the recently unveiled Top 40 of Miss Universe Philippines 2023.

—Kimberly Tsao/MGP, GMA Integrated News