Written by: Angelo Yanga
Last May 13, 2023, Chinita beauty Michelle Dee won the Miss Universe Philippines 2023 competition, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. Now Dee is on her way to getting the fifth Miss Universe crown for the Philippines with her sharp features, beautiful tan skin and exceptional communication skills.
There has long been talk about diversifying the beauty standards in the country. In our society, euro-centric features are much more praised and valued. And breaking this ceiling can be challenging for people outside conventional beauty standards. However, last Saturday, Michelle showed that a Chinita could also compete on the international stage!
With her inspiring #DEEPATAPOS slogan, the Makati delegate has finally won the crown through grit and determination. But, behind the sashes and gowns, there’s an intriguing person.
Keep reading to learn the seven facts about Michelle Dee, beneath the glamorous life of a beauty queen.
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She’s Part Of The Filipino-Chinese Community
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Michelle Dee is a descendant of China Bank Founder Dee C. Chuan. Through Dee C. Chuan’s leadership, China Bank grew and partnered with well-known business owners in the country, including SM and BDO founder Henry Sy. Sr., JG Summit Holdings, Inc. founder John Gokongwei Jr., and Century Pacific Group’s Ricardo Po. Sr.
You can say that Dee’s family has strong ties with the Filipino-Chinese business community, making her family history fascinating. It also sets her apart from other beauty queens because of her strong heritage tracing back to the Chinoy community!
2) She Has A Degree In Psychology
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Michelle Dee is truly “beauty and brains!” In 2017, Dee graduated from De La Salle University with a degree in Psychology. And according to this Preview interview, Dee wants to become a psychiatrist after her pageant stints.
On top of this impressive academic record, Dee also finished a certificate program in entrepreneurship essentials from the Harvard Business School.
3) She Is An Advocate For Autism
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As Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach said, a beauty queen must be confidently beautiful with a heart. True to her predecessor’s words, Dee also advocates for autism to provide equal opportunity for everyone. Her passion towards autism is dedicated to her two brothers, Mazen and Adam, in hopes that they can live in a more compassionate society.
4) She’s Also An Actress
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Acting is just one of Dee’s many careers. She even won Best New Actress for Because I Love You in the 36th PMPC Star Awards for Movies.
On her YouTube channel, Dee shares that she balances her time between taping for Ang Lihim Ni Urduja and competing in the Miss Universe Philippines 2023 edition.
5) She’s An LGBTQ+ Ally
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She is not just your Miss Universe queen but also a woke queen! Dee is aware of the inequality happening to LGBTQ+ people, so she wants to use her platform to spread social acceptance.
In her personal life, Dee stands with her LGBTQ+ friends and strives for a better society where everyone can freely express themselves.
6) She Leads An Active Lifestyle
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Michelle Dee spent her childhood on a ranch in Utah, USA. Because of her upbringing, she loves animals, and being outdoorsy and active. Nowadays, Dee likes to ride big motorbikes, dive, and work out.
If you browse her Instagram feed, you can see how she chooses an active lifestyle to keep in shape.
7) She’s The Daughter Of Melanie Marquez
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Michelle Dee is also the daughter of former Miss International 1979 Melanie Marquez and a cousin of Teresita Ssen Marquez, Reina Hispanoamericana 2017. Being a beauty queen is in her blood. However, despite this advantage, Dee has competed in Miss World 2019 (both locally and internationally) and Miss Universe Philippines twice before finally clinching the crown.
The newly crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2023 is now preparing to compete in the 72nd Miss Universe in El Salvador later this year. For more updates, follow us on our social media accounts!
