On November 30, Miss Universe Philippines Michelle Dee revealed the truth behind her closeness with Miss Thailand, Anntonia Porslid.
At the media event held at GMA Studio 7, which LionhearTV covered, Dee disclosed that she and Porslid had the mission of uniting their fans through their newfound friendship during the Miss Universe competition.
“I think ‘mission accomplished’ because Antonia and I–we weren’t [able to] converse so much during the start of the competition because we [really] didn’t have the chance to do it, aside from different areas.Â
“Pero ‘yun nga, nagkaaway-away ‘yung mga fans and our intention with our very first photo na bati kami, na if kaming dalawa ay bati, our fans should really unite as well or at least be more respectful towards each other.”
She acknowledged how Filipinos and Thai pageant fans are some of the most passionate supporters of beauty queens.
“We both came from pageant powerhouse countries, kaya medyo Thailand, and Filipino fans are the most vocal, so [to be] able to unite and show a [good] example of loving and respecting everyone around you.”
“I think we accomplished that because [I think]– the Philippines and Thailand have never felt closer. The fans and the [supporters] really feel the love, and Anntonia and I [feel] that same sentiment.”
When asked about the possibility of working on future projects together, Dee responded, “Of course, I would be [very, very] excited, if anything comes up, that we will fly wherever we need to [fly] to make it happen.”
Dee noted how she and Porslid have the same mindset when accepting projects.
“We actually have similar mindsets and outlooks in life. Kaya, of course, when the opportunity presents itself, she [would take] it into consideration. We have [talked about] it, and [both of us] are very excited, especially with the inquiry that we received noong pabalik na kami sa kanya-kanyang bansa. But one thing’s for sure, I would be flying Thailand for her crown turn-over, and she’ll fly here naman for my crown turn-over.”
The coronation night for the 72nd Miss Universe was on November 18, 2023, wherein Miss Nicaragua, Sheynnis Palacios, won the crown for the international pageant.Â
Dee got into the Top 10 finalist of the competition but didn’t get through the Top 5.Â
