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Michelle Dee reflects on 'difficult year' after getting crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2023
Michelle Dee has been crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2023, but it was by no means an easy journey for the beauty queen.
On Instagram, Michelle reflected on the hardships she faced in the lead up to the pageant.
"Throughout life, we will always go through something that will beat us down and test our perseverance," she began.
"I can honestly say that this year has been the most difficult so far. From what felt like losing a dream to taking on the responsibility of taking care of two households due to my parents' accidents to becoming the primary caregiver of my two autistic siblings while having the drive to still work on myself and my dreams.
READ: 5 interesting facts about Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee
Michelle, who recently starred in "Mga Lihim ni Urduja," also mentioned the emergency surgency she had to go through just weeks before the competition.
"I finished a television show while once again trying to win the crown - and that ultimately took its toll on my body," she said.
"But, here I am, with the knowledge that I am much stronger than any reason life will give me to give up. That's not in my nature & it's definitely not in the nature of us Filipinos too," she added.
Michelle joined the Miss Universe Philippines last year and finished just behind titleholder Celeste Cortesi.
She continued pursuing the dream this year, announcing her participation in the pageant with the #DeePaTapos.
Michelle will represent the Philippines at the Miss Universe pageant in El Salvador later this year.
—MGP, GMA Integrated News
