Michelle Dee feels validated by Pia Wurtzbach's advice not to mind pageant 'chiefs'

Michelle Dee seemed to be resonating well with Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach's advice for her not to "let other chiefs dictate" how she represents herself in a competition.

In the recent episode of "Updated with Nelson Canlas," the newly minted Miss Universe Philippines said Pia also took the time to privately message her with her advice, apart from the public comment she made on Michelle's post for the "whole universe" to see.

"It's so validating because this is my third national pageant," Michelle said.

"I feel like this season was the only chance that I really got to showcase myself and all of [my] confidence," the beauty queen added.

Michelle proudly pointed out the many "pageant boundaries and stereotypes" she broke at the recently concluded Miss Universe Philippines competition.

"I came out with short hair. I sported an elegant black gown by Mark Bumgarner. I wasn't doing your typical pageant poses, and it all paid off," she said.

According to Michelle, Pia's advice is important because "people will always act like experts."

"They'll always have their specific peg that they want to see, they'll compare me with what has worked in the past," she said.

"But I am not a sheep, I'm a shepherd. I want to set an example. I wanna set the trends and ultimately shine as [my] own woman," she said.

At the end of the day, Michelle said her ultimate goal is to just be "Michelle Dee."

"[I don't intend] to be the next Melanie Marquez, not the next international queen that has come before me. But really to be Michelle Dee, and that's what I wanted to showcase," she said.

Michelle is set to represent the Philippines in the Miss Universe pageant later this year which will be held in El Salvador, Central America.

Listen to Michelle Dee's full interview on "Updated with Nelson Canlas" on Spotify. — Hermes Joy Tunac/LA, GMA Integrated News