It's time for Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Marquez Dee to pass on the esteemed crown to her successor.
On the wee hours of May 23, 2024, the 29-year-old beauty queen blissfully lifted the responsibility of representing the country in the universal pageant scene off her shoulders, and onto the newly-crowned Chelsea Anne Manalo of Bulacan.
As we formally welcome Chelsea into the spotlight, let's relish Michelle's final walk as Miss Universe Philippines.
Read: Chelsea Manalo wins Miss Universe Philippines 2024
MICHELLE'S ICONIC EVENING GOWN
Nothing seems more suited to close this chapter in Michelle's pageant life than the gown she wore at the Miss Universe 2023 grand coronation night, where she missed the crown by the last segment.
During her final walk, she acknowledged the hands and hearts of people who brought her closer to fulfilling her advocacies.
She emphasized continuing to walk the talk even beyond the lens of pageantry.
Her speech reads in full: "My journey of a thousand steps began with all of you. And tonight, as we reach this incredible moment together, it feels like we've achieved something truly special.
"This year is when I embraced my authentic self. I stopped trying to conform and started focusing on what it truly means to be Miss Universe Philippines and to become that responsibility I did it delightly.
"It's success is not mine to celebrate alone, though.
"To my family, my mom, my dad, my mamit, and to my siblings who have inspired me more in ways than I can count, thank you for showing me how to pursue life.
"To my core—Dave Kimbao, Nelly Saboy, Harry Hartman, Ian Mendejar, Kester Miel, Carl Joso, Joy Marcello, Ryuji Shiumitsu, Mama Elmo, Mama Roger, ASP Philippines, GMA-7, my digital team Personify.
"And of course to my best friends who are watching here with us tonight, thank you for enduring all of those sleepless nights, picking me up whenever I fall down, and even traveling halfway across the world for me.
"To Mark Bumgarner, Michael Varasi, and the teams behind them, thank you on behalf of our country.
"Your designs will forever be cemented in our history books, and also forever tattooed in my heart.
"But of course, to my home for the last two years, thank you for trusting and believing in me.
"Sir Jonah, you are a true creative visionary, but beyond that, I've come to truly understand why we all call you Mama J.
"Of course, to you Sir V, the last eight years you've seen my potential, and your belief in me has never faded.
"And to the rest of my Miss Universe Philippines family, Eljon and Derek most especially, thank you for allowing me to share our stories and our triumphs through my artists.
"This may be the end of my reign, but this is the start of a beautiful chapter.
"To the next queen, my best advice is to move and live with purpose. Be certain of who you are and why you are here.
"The crown will always be a symbol of triumph, but win or lose, it's the lives that you touch that will really make a difference.
"And finally, to my supporters and fellow Filipinos, together we have showcased the true power of our Bayanihan spirit.
"Thank you for seeing the potential in me and for rallying behind me when it mattered most.
"This is our collective success. This is the country we are proud to call our home, and we will always be proud to call ourselves Pinoy.
"Maraming-maraming salamat. Filipinas, I am, for the last time, Michelle Marquez Dee, signing off."
A TRIBUTE TO WHANG-OD
The symbolic evening dress pays homage to 107-year-old mambabatok Apo Whang-Od.
"A tribute to a legendary Filipina who has become an icon, preserving the rich cultural heritage of indigenous tattoo art," Michelle wrote in an Instagram post.
"She has achieved global recognition and symbolizes timeless beauty, coinciding with Miss Universe lifting its age restrictions, championing inclusivity and challenging age stereotypes.
"A true icon and the last of her kind, a symbol of bravery, beauty, and inclusivity… Whang Od.
"This evening gown draws inspiration from the icon, with every stitch crafted passionately and proudly dedicated to our country. It is a creation by my friend and designer of dreams, @markbumgarner."
READ MORE:
- Michelle Dee: "All of you made me feel like I was a winner."
- Michelle Dee reveals inspiration for national costume at Miss Universe 2023
- Kim Chiu replaced by Michelle Dee as searcher in "EXpecially For You" -- PEP sources
- Michelle Dee, nagulat nang makitang may kahalikan ang inang si Melanie Marquez