Michelle Dee adds another award to her Miss Universe 2023 special awards haul: National Costume winner!
The Sparkle actress and autism awareness advocate might not have been successful in her Miss Universe 2023 bid after missing the Top 5 cut, but she has well proven that she put up a good fight---a feat that did not go unnoticed among pageant fans around the globe.
On Friday evening of Oct. 24 (Manila time), the Miss Universe Organization made a belated announcement on its social media that the Filipina beauty queen, who made waves in El Salvador, is the winner of National Costume.
On its official Instagram, the MUO congratulated Michelle Dee. "And the National Costume Winner is… Michelle Dee 🇵🇭! Chosen by the fans on our official Miss Universe app, Philippines is taking home the costume vote for this incredible outfit! 🛩️"
The caption also included the spiel that was read as introduction while Michelle Dee walked on the Miss Universe stage in her national costume:
"A look back at the script of the National Costume Show as Michelle took the stage;
“It's a bird, it's a plane...it's Philippines! Crowned with a captain's hat, this costume is a salute to the delegate's role as an Air Force reservist. The look is representative of her country - resilient and radiant. There's no denying, she's the queen of flying ... in the PHILIPPINES.”
"Congratulations @michelledee"
Related content: Michelle Dee gives fans glimpse of the Miss Universe 2023 rehearsals:
It was on November 17, a day before the finals night wherein Miss Nicaragua Sheynnis Palacios would take home the coveted Miss Universe 2023 crown, Michelle unveiled the head-turning costume designed by Michael Barassi.
In her Instagram, Michelle Dee explained the inspiration behind her ensemble:
“Behold, Sergeant Michelle Marquez Dee, Miss Universe Philippines, adorned in the nation's pride and heritage. With each thread woven into the “solihiya” pattern, an iconic design used in the tropics of the Philippines, it embraces her body flawlessly -- unfolding the story of the islands' unity and artistry. ”
“Rising from her back, wings bear the colors of the Philippine flag and a mural of it's most breathtaking sights while parading the country's official tourism slogan: #LoveThePhilippines. Crowned with a captain's hat, this is a salute to her role as an Air Force reservist and to our boundless adventures awaiting in the skies!”
Michelle Dee adds this honor to her three other special awards: Voice for Change winner, Fan Vote Winner, and Spirit of Carnival winner.
Check out some of the celebrities' reactions to Michelle's NATCOS in this gallery.
Fly high, MMD!
Former Miss Universe winner Pia Wurtzbach gives a salute to MMD.
'Sang'gre' actress Rhian Ramos is one supportive BBF to our Pinay queen Michelle Dee.
MJ Lastimosa reacted to Michelle's NATCOS by posting several fire emojis in the comment section of her Instagram post.
Asia's Limitless Star Julie Anne San Jose is simply blown away.
We couldn't agree more, Angelique.
Host and influencer Janeena Chan
Sparkle actress-host Arra San Agustin
Here are more celebrities showing their support to Michelle Dee