Michelle Dee thanks fans for supporting her Miss Universe 2023 journey: 'So grateful to be Pinoy'

Despite her early exit in the Miss Universe 2023 pageant, Michelle Dee feels honored to have represented the Philippines before the world stage.

In a video message that aired on Monday's episode of "Fast Talk With Boy Abunda," Michelle said she is happy to have made it to the the Top 10, which she called "an amazing feat over such a competitive year."

While it was not the result that she wanted, the beauty queen said she gave it her all in her performance.

"I honestly feel so grateful to be Pinoy. I've always been grateful. Loud and proud palagi, that's how I want to raise my flag," she said.

"Of course, my reaction when I was called into the Top 10 was amazing because not only I was carrying myself, but I was carrying a whole nation, my family's legacy and just to make it that far was such an amazing feeling," she added. 

Michelle then reminded Filipinos to always choose kindness and love above else and thanked everyone for their support. 

"I would not have been able to power through this without all of your love rallying behind our bayanihan spirit," she said. 

"Pinakita talaga natin sa buong uniberso how we can come together and shake the whole universe," she added. 

Michelle finished her Miss Universe 2023 journey in the Top 10. She also took home three special awards, including the Voice for Change video competition, at the coronation night in El Salvador last Sunday.

Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua was crowned Miss Universe 2023.