Michelle Dee meets fan who created viral artwork

Michelle Dee performed so well at the Miss Universe 2023 that even without crown, the Kapuso beauty queen has started inspiring many runway looks and artworks.

On Unang Hirit Tuesday, Michelle met Dexter Cinco, the artist who made what is possibly the most viral artwork of Michelle.

"'Yan yung sa TikTok!" Michelle exclaimed when Dexter entered the "Unang Hirit" stage carrying the art piece.

"Sabi ko, 'I need to get the painting!' Ang ganda lang talaga!" Michelle continued.

"Thank you for — the entire Philippines is so proud of you," Dexter told Michelle before they hugged it out.

The artist worked on the piece for five days and first posted about it on his TikTok account on November 11. "Currently working my fan art for MMD," he said in the caption. "Go gurl forda 5th crown," he added. 

He posted the finished work one day ahead of the coronation and wished the beauty queen good luck. "Bring home the 5th crown, MMD," he captioned the post that has now generated more than 2000 views.

On coronation day, Dexter posted a time-lapsed video of him working on the piece from start to finish and said Michelle "represented the Philippines with pride and cedication! Congrats to our forever MUPH MMD."

That post generated nearly 400K views and more than 40K likes. 

While Michelle settled for a Top 10 finish, she managed to take home four special awards including Best in National Costume, and win the hearts of many pageant fans across the world.

She was welcomed home with throngs of fans at the airport including "wifey" Rhian Ramos.

It's no rest of the queen though as she's already started her media rounds with "Unang Hirit" Monday, where she spoke about the tight hug her mother Melanie Marquez gave her at the airport, her blossoming friendship with Miss Universe Thailand Anntonia Porsild, and her now-iconic Apo Whang-Od evening gown.

@cincodexter You Represented the Philippines with Pride and Dedication! Congrats to our forever MUPH @MMD @powerhouseph_ @For The Philippines by Oyelle @Miss Universe Philippines #missuniverse2023???????? #philippines????????tiktok #michelledeemarquez #philippines #viralvideo???? #fyp #art #viralvideo???? #fyp??viral #painting ? Raise Your Flag - Hidden Citizens

— LA, GMA Integrated News