On November 30, Miss Universe Philippines Michelle Dee discussed what she realized after she didn’t land the top 5 spot in the Miss Universe pageant.
At the media event held at GMA Studio 7, which LionhearTV covered, Dee recounted what she learned throughout her pageant career about expectations.
“I had to learn it the hard way–you can never celebrate until the crown is on your head. So approaching El Salvador, I really didn’t think internally na ako talaga ‘yung panalo. My focus was really to do my absolute best. Sa lahat ng makakaya ko– to [really] excel in every aspect of the competiton. Because I [really] want to give the Philippines the best chance of winning.
“Of course, with that [kind of]” mindset, alam naman natin na destiny calls. It’s either for you or it’s not for you. But again, I [really] had to train that mindset.”
While it pained her not to get included in the top 5 finalists, Dee still maintained a positive view of her experience with the Miss Universe pageant.
“Of course, masakit noong hindi ako tinawag sa Top 5, naiyak pa nga ako backstage, but again, everything happens for a reason. Ako I’d rather enjoy ‘yung mga opportunities na dumadating sa akin ngayon, instead na nandoon lang ako just like being depressed or choosing to be sad because of course, nagbigay naman tayo ng malakas na laban so it’s just choosing to be happy.”
She also highlighted how she trusted her team during the competition.
“Honestly, I have [not] felt the most calm on a competition stage [ever.] I think that was a product of so much dedication and hardwork because as soon as I entered El Salvador, I trusted my training, I [trusted] my body, and it already knew what to do. So all the time, parang sinapian na ako ng nanay ko or sinapian na ako ng trainers ko na parang just go.
“After ng swimsuit preliminary competition, kabado pa ako. I texted my manager na kamusta, ‘yun pala ang ganda ng performance [ko.] So it’s really just about letting go and having fun at that point.”
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.
Dee got into the Top 10 finalist of the competition but didn’t get through the Top 5.
