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Ahead of Miss Universe 2023 coronation night, Michelle Dee says 'now, it's really about enjoying the process'
For years, Michelle Dee has been training and working hard just to make it to the Miss Universe stage, and now she's here.
With one day left before coronation night, the Filipina queen is confident and ready to show what she has to offer. "I am so excited for everybody to see all the hard work that my team behind me has been putting [on]" she tells GMA Integrated News' Oli Sara in a short interview.
“Now, it's really about enjoying the process and trusting in the training, and let's see what happens,” Michelle added.
Looking back at her pageant journey, the Kapuso beauty queen said she has always been open to constructive criticism to get better.
“I have been working every single day with my mentors to try and improve, to make sure that I am the best representation of the country that we love,” Michelle said.
“Kita niyo naman prelims palang, I really wanted to embody the true essence of being a Filipino and I'm so happy about all the feedback,” she added.
Michelle Dee gave an incredible performance at the preliminaries, elegant in her green Mark Bumgarner evening gown, and a total knockout in her red swimsuit. She took it even further during the National Costume show, highlighting the Filipino weaving culture, her role as an Airforce Reservist, and carrying an important message about her advocacy. Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray called her performance "solid."
Asked why the Philippines should win Miss Universe, Michelle gave a confident, “Why not?”
She added, “The Philippines has the most amazing representation, from our tourism and from the people. Of course, the people is what makes us stand out the most. We’re warmhearted, we’re hospitable. But most importantly, we are resilient. And we're always innovative. We are tenacious, and we deserve the fifth crown.”
Michelle said that continues to try her best “to make sure that I am what the [Miss Universe Organization] needs and I am trying to be the best representation of the Philippines, so it all comes together.”
With one day left, Michelle said, “We'll find out what our destiny has in store for all of us.”
Michelle thanked Filipinos for their continued support, saying "I would not be able to go this far without your love and support" and added that she hopes to "make you all proud."
"Kita niyo naman, I'm putting in blood, sweat, and tears just to make sure that we are best represented. Maraming, maraming salamat. I hope I make you all proud. Mahal na mahal ko kayo,” she said.
Following her strong performances in the preliminaries, Michelle climbed up to the 3rd spot of Missosology's final hot picks. She was previously predicted to be part of the Top 10.
The Miss Universe coronation night is set for November 19, Sunday (Philippine time).
— Nika Roque/LA, GMA Integrated News
