Michelle Dee

Michelle Daniela Marquez Dee[1] (Tagalog: [miˈʃɛl ˈdɐnɪɛlɐ ˈmaɾkɛs dɪ]; born April 24, 1995)[2] is a Filipino actress, model, TV presenter, talk show host, and beauty pageant titleholder who was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2023. She will represent the Philippines at the Miss Universe 2023 competition in El Salvador.[3][4]

In this Philippine name, the middle name or maternal family name is Marquez and the surname or paternal family name is Dee.
Michelle Dee
Dee in 2023
Born
Michelle Daniela Marquez Dee

(1995-04-24) April 24, 1995
Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines
Other namesMMD
EducationDe La Salle University
(BS Psychology)
Occupations
  • Actress
  • model
  • TV presenter
  • talk show host
Height1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
Beauty pageant titleholder
Title
AgencyClick Model Management New York
Hair colorBlack
Eye colorBrown
Major
competition(s)

Dee previously won Miss World Philippines 2019.[5][6] She represented the Philippines at the Miss World 2019 pageant in London, England where she finished in the Top 12.[5][7]

Early life and education

Michelle Daniela Marquez Dee was born in Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines on April 24, 1995, to businessman, film producer, and former character actor Frederick "Derek" Dee and to actress, author, former supermodel, and beauty queen Melanie Marquez, who won Miss International 1979.[8] The brother of her paternal grandfather was Dee C. Chuan, founder of the Philippines' Chinabank, and her paternal grandmother, heiress and philanthropist Regina Y. Dee, was daughter of Yu Hung-chun, who served as premier of Taiwan. Her maternal grandfather was film director Artemio Marquez, Sr., and her maternal grandmother was socialite and women's rights activist Teresita Esguera Perez. Politician, actor, and former PBA player Joey Marquez is her maternal uncle.[9][10] Dee has one sister, Maxine, and four maternal half-siblings—Miguelito, Mazen, Adam Jr., and Abraham.[11] She spent a considerable time of her childhood in their family ranch in Utah, United States during summers and family vacations. Dee grew up loving farm animals and enjoying the countryside, both in Utah and in her family's hacienda in Mabalacat, Pampanga, Philippines.[12]

She attended the De La Salle University in Manila and graduated with a degree in psychology.[8] In 2021, Dee completed her short course in entrepreneurship essentials from the Harvard Business School.[13][14]

Pageantry

Miss World Philippines 2019
Main article: Miss World Philippines 2019

On 15 September 2019, Dee was crowned Miss World Philippines 2019 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, Metro Manila, the Philippines.[15] The finals night comprised competitions in swimwear, evening gown, and two question and answer rounds. She competed with and won over thirty-nine other delegates, and was crowned by outgoing Miss World Philippines 2018 Katarina Sonja Rodriguez by the end of the event.[16][17] During the competition, Dee won six special awards: Miss Sportswoman by Fila, Miss GCOX, Miss Best Skin by Cathy Valencia, Miss Bench, Miss Myra E, and Miss Bluewater Day Spa.[15][17]

In the semifinal question and answer round, host Laura Lehmann asked Dee about the lessons and pieces of advice her mother, renowned top model and Miss International 1979 Melanie Marquez, gave her in her preparations for her first-ever beauty pageant competition. Dee replied:

"The most important advice my mom gave me was to be myself. I'm not here trying to replicate her, but I'm trying to shine as my own woman. In doing so I've learned how to be strong, how to be confident in myself, and to embrace every single part of my being. So thank you, Mom, and thank you to everyone who came tonight and for supporting me. It means a lot to me."[18][19]

In the final question and answer round, Dee was asked which invention from the last century she would love to make a comeback. She answered:

"It would probably be polaroid films. I'm an avid lover of art. I love photography and I love the kind of energy and feel that polaroids give me; just being able to lay everything out and go down memory lane is such a different feeling. Polaroids give me such a vibrant and positive energy."[18][20]

Miss World 2019
Main article: Miss World 2019

As Miss World Philippines 2019, Dee represented the Philippines in the Miss World 2019 competition at the ExCel Stadium in London, England, the United Kingdom on 14 December 2019.

During the preliminaries, Dee won both rounds of her group's Head to Head Challenge, earning her a spot in the Top 40 semifinalists. She also placed in the Top 40 of the Top Model competition, and Top 20 in Beauty with a Purpose.[21][22][23]

During the finals night, Dee was called in the Top 40, and ultimately entered the Top 12 semifinals.[24][25]

Miss Universe Philippines 2022
Main article: Miss Universe Philippines 2022

On 6 April 2022, she was announced as an official candidate for the Miss Universe Philippines 2022 pageant.[26][27] At the end of coronation night, she was crowned Miss Universe Philippines Tourism 2022, second to the eventual winner, Celeste Cortesi.[28]

Miss Universe Philippines 2023
Main article: Miss Universe Philippines 2023

On 18 February 2023, she was announced as an official candidate for the Miss Universe Philippines 2023 pageant.[29][30]

At the preliminary competition, she bagged the Miss Aqua Boracay, Miss Pond's, and Miss Zion Philippines awards.[31][32]

At the finals night on 13 May 2023, she won the Best in Evening Gown award.[33][34]

During the finals' first question and answer round, Dee was asked: “Income inequality is still high in the Philippines. The gap between the rich and the poor remains. How do we close the gap?” She responded:[35]

"I think first, we have to recognize what we have and the privileges that we have such as food, education, and homes. I think the best way to address this is through education because education holds no status quo. Every Filipino child has the right to an education, but not just any education, but quality education. Because I believe if the government can provide this to every Filipino child, we can not only elevate their quality of life , but we can empower them as well.”

At the second and final question and answer round, she was asked: "The Department of Tourism has adopted a new branding campaign: 'We give the world our best.' For you, what is the best that we could offer to the rest of the world? Why do you consider it so?" Dee responded:[35]

"The Philippines is home to very beautiful natural resources, from the beaches to the mountains, but I firmly believe that the best natural resource that the Philippines has is us Filipinos. We are the true heart and soul of the Philippines, with the way we are hospitable, with the warm smiles, and we are the reason the world keeps coming back for more. No matter where the universe takes me, I will always be proud to call the Philippines my home, and no matter what happens, I will always be proud to call myself Pinoy.”

At the end of the competition, she was crowned by outgoing Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi as Miss Universe Philippines 2023. Dee will represent the Philippines at the upcoming Miss Universe 2023 competition, set to take place in El Salvador towards the end of the year.

Causes and philanthropy

Growing up with two of her siblings diagnosed with autism, Dee has been an advocate for autism awareness and mental health education since she was sixteen years old.[36][37][38] She has been working with the Center for Possibilities Incorporation, a foundation that helps and cares for children with special needs, and other organizations in spreading more information on autism, assisting those who have the developmental disability—especially the younger people—and creating more awareness about autism and mental health.[36][37][39] After winning Miss World Philippines 2019, Dee donated part of her prize money to individuals on the autism spectrum who are in need of medical care and other relevant assistance.[40][41]

Dee also works with the Autism Society Philippines in bringing attention to the needs of individuals who are on the autism spectrum and their families, and improving access to intervention facilities and services, especially for those in the provincial areas.[42][43] She supports autism advocacy programs on art, hippotherapy, and inclusive employment for those on the autism spectrum.[44] She became the Goodwill Ambassador for the Autism Society Philippines in January 2020.[43]

With her father, Dee also campaigns for hepatitis awareness and for a hepatitis C-free society, under their own family initiative, HepCured.[45]

Dee is also an LGBTQIA+ rights advocate.[46]

Modeling career

Dee's first modeling gig was with clothing brand Bench in 2016.[47] She signed with Click Model Management in New York, after being scouted during a Bench photoshoot.[48][49]

Personal life

Weeks before the Miss Universe Philippines 2023 finals, and on her birthday, Dee had to undergo emergency medical surgery for a hemorrhage she suffered. She recovered well, and assured her fans and supporters, via Twitter, that she would be pushing through with her campaign as Miss Makati on finals night of the competition.[50] Dee's maternal cousin is actress and fellow beauty queen Winwyn Marquez, who won Reina Hispanoamericana in 2017.[36] She currently lives with close friend and fellow actress Rhian Ramos.[51]

Filmography

Film
Year Title Role Ref.
2019 Because I Love You Gianna [38]
G! LU [52]
Cara x Jagger

Television
Year Title Role Network Ref.
2023 Mga Lihim ni Urduja Freya Dayanghirang- Salazar GMA Network [53]
2021 I Left My Heart in Sorsogon Hazelyn "Hazel" Pangan [54]
Agimat ng Agila Serpenta [55]
2019 One of the Baes young Alona Aragoza [56]
Love You Two Michaela "Mochi" Isidro [57]
2019–2020 Glow Up Herself - Host GMA News TV [58]

Accolades

Awards and nominations
Year Award Category Recipient(s) Results Source
2021 36th PMPC Star Awards for Movies Best New Movie Actress Won [59]
2019 33rd PMPC Star Awards for Television Best Lifestyle Show Glow Up with Michelle Dee as host Nominated [60]
Best Lifestyle Show Host Michelle Dee with Winwyn Marquez and Thia Thomalla Nominated
Best New Female TV Personality Michelle Dee on Love You Two (GMA Network) Nominated

References
  1. Sancha, Gilbert Kim (May 14, 2023). "Michelle Dee is Phl Miss Universe bet". Daily Tribune. Retrieved May 15, 2023.
  2. Nitura, Jam (May 1, 2022). "8 Things You Need to Know About Beauty Queen Michelle Dee". Preview. Retrieved February 23, 2023.
  3. Requintina, Robert (May 13, 2023). "Michelle Dee wins Miss Universe Philippines 2023 beauty pageant". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved May 15, 2023.
  4. Adina, Armin P. (May 14, 2023). "Michelle Dee of Makati crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2023". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved May 15, 2023.
  5. Ilaya, Felix (September 16, 2019). "JUST IN: Michelle Dee is crowned Miss World Philippines 2019". GMA Entertainment. Retrieved February 24, 2023.
  6. Bigtas, Jannielyn Ann (September 16, 2019). "Michelle Dee is crowned Miss World Philippines 2019!". GMA News Online. Retrieved February 24, 2023.
  7. "Michelle Dee bows out of Miss World 2019, finishes at Top 12". GMA News Online. December 15, 2019. Retrieved February 24, 2023.
  8. "Who is Michelle Dee, Miss World Philippines 2019?". Rappler. September 16, 2019. Retrieved April 30, 2022.
  9. Newly Crowned Miss World Philippines Is Descendant of Chinabank Founder
  10. Garcia, Cara Emmeline (December 5, 2019). "Michelle Dee follows grandmother's legacy of giving back to communities". GMA Network. GMA Corporation. GMA News. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
  11. "Meet Melanie Marquez's daughter Michelle". ABS-CBN News. September 29, 2016. Retrieved November 4, 2022.
  12. "WATCH: Michelle Dee talks about growing up in a ranch in Miss World's Head to Head Challenge". GMA News Online. December 6, 2019. Retrieved April 30, 2022.
  13. Garcia, Carla Emmeline (February 4, 2021). "Michelle Dee earns Harvard Business School Online certificate during lockdown". GMA Entertainment. Retrieved February 14, 2023.
  14. "Michelle Dee completes entrepreneurship course at Harvard Business School Online". ABS-CBN News. February 5, 2021. Retrieved February 14, 2023.
  15. "'I promise to try my best': Michelle Dee speaks up after Miss World PH win". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved September 17, 2019.
  16. 王亚梅. "Michelle Dee crowned as Miss World Philippines 2019 - Xinhua | English.news.cn". www.xinhuanet.com. Archived from the original on August 9, 2020. Retrieved September 17, 2019.
  17. "Fun facts about Miss World Philippines 2019 Michelle Dee". Preen.ph. September 16, 2019. Retrieved September 17, 2019.
  18. Villano, Alexa (September 17, 2019). "Melanie Marquez on daughter Michelle Dee's win: She will be greater than me". Rappler. Retrieved September 17, 2019.
  19. "Melanie Marquez's daughter Michelle Dee wins Miss World Philippines 2019". philstar.com. Retrieved September 17, 2019.
  20. "Melanie Marquez's daughter Michelle Dee wins Miss World Philippines 2019". philstar.com. Retrieved September 17, 2019.
  21. "Michelle Dee secures spot in Miss World Top 40". ABS-CBN News.
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  23. "Michelle Dee's advocacy makes Top 20 of Miss World's Beauty with a Purpose competition". GMA News Online.
  24. "Michelle Dee bows out of Miss World 2019, finishes at Top 12". GMA News Online.
  25. "Michelle Dee finishes in Miss World 2019 Top 12". Rappler.
  26. Viernes, Franchesca (April 6, 2022). "Miss Universe Philippines reveals top 32 finalists". GMA News Online. Retrieved April 6, 2022.
  27. Requintina, Robert (April 6, 2022). "Miss Universe PH 2022 reveals top 32 finalists". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved April 6, 2022.
  28. "Miss Universe PH 2022 Celeste Cortesi bares #UniquelyBeautiful heart for family". Manila Bulletin. May 7, 2022. Retrieved February 14, 2023.
  29. "Miss Universe Philippines 2023 announces top 40 candidates". Rappler. February 18, 2023. Retrieved February 18, 2023.
  30. "Pageant queens banner Miss Universe PH official candidates". ABS-CBN News. February 18, 2023. Retrieved February 18, 2023.
  31. Iglesias, Iza (May 10, 2023). "Miss Universe Philippines bets dazzle in preliminary competition". The Manila Times. Retrieved May 14, 2023.
  32. Tuazon, Nikko (May 10, 2023). "Bohol's Pauline Amelinckx bags ten special awards at Miss Universe Philippines 2023 prelims". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Retrieved May 14, 2023.
  33. Mallorca, Hannah (May 13, 2023). "Miss Universe PH 2023: Pauline Amelinckx, Michelle Dee, Angelique Manto make it to Top 18". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved May 13, 2023.
  34. Requintina, Robert (May 13, 2023). "Miss Universe Philippines 2023: Major special awards". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved May 13, 2023.
  35. Cardona, Yssa (May 13, 2023). "The Complete Transcript of the Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Q&A". Preview. Retrieved May 13, 2023.
  36. Peralta, Janine (September 18, 2019). "Michelle Dee advocates autism awareness in Miss World journey". CNN Philippines. Retrieved September 19, 2019.
  37. Villano, Alexa (September 17, 2019). "What made Michelle Dee push through with Miss World Philippines plans?". Rappler. Retrieved September 19, 2019.
  38. Roque, Nika (September 17, 2019). "Michelle Dee crowned Miss World PH". The Manila Times. Retrieved September 19, 2019.
  39. Jorge, Rome (September 18, 2016). "Embracing humanity: 'Yakap,' the documentary on children with special needs". Rappler. Retrieved September 19, 2019.
  40. Garcia, Cara Emmeline. "READ: Michelle Dee plans to donate a portion of her winnings to patients with autism". www.gmanetwork.com. Retrieved September 20, 2019.
  41. Topics, Head (September 18, 2019). "READ: Michelle Dee plans to donate a portion of her winnings to patients with autism". Head Topics. Retrieved September 20, 2019.
  42. "WATCH: Michelle Dee's 'game plan' to bring home Miss World crown". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved November 26, 2019.
  43. "LOOK: Michelle Dee is the Goodwill Ambassador of Autism Society Philippines". GMA News Online. January 19, 2020. Retrieved April 30, 2022.
  44. "Michelle Dee treats children with autism to 'hippotherapy'". GMA News Online. October 30, 2019. Retrieved November 26, 2019.
  45. Requintina, Robert (June 26, 2022). "Action star Derek Dee intensifies advocacy for Hepa C-free society". Manila Bulletin. Manila Bulletin. Manila Bulletin. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
  46. Layug, Margaret Claire (December 6, 2019). "7 Michelle Dee facts that prove she's Miss World material". GMA News Online. Retrieved April 30, 2022.
  47. "Meet Melanie Marquez' gorgeous daughter, Michelle". ABS-CBN News. August 3, 2016. Retrieved August 3, 2016.
  48. "IN PHOTOS: Michelle Dee shows off eye for photography through portraits of Miss World co-candidates". GMA News Online. November 30, 2019. Retrieved April 30, 2022.
  49. Gonzales, Rommel (June 29, 2019). "Michelle Dee recounts how she got New York modeling contract". Pep.ph (in Filipino). Retrieved November 4, 2022.
  50. Santiago, Sarah. "5 Things You Might Not Know About Michelle Dee". Wonder Philippines. Wonder PH. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
  51. Tunac, Hermes Joy (September 19, 2022). "Rhian Ramos and Michelle Dee are moving in together!". GMA News. Retrieved November 4, 2022.
  52. "LOOK: 'G! LU' cast flaunts hard rock abs in La Union". GMA Entertainment. Retrieved January 12, 2021.
  53. "Vin Abrenica, Michelle Dee, Arra San Agustin and more on their kontrabida roles 'Mga Lihim ni Urduja'". GMA Network. February 8, 2023. Retrieved February 14, 2023.
  54. Requintina, Robert (November 13, 2021). "Heart Evangelista returns to GMA primetime via romance-drama series 'I Left My Heart in Sorsogon'". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved January 16, 2022.
  55. "Roi Vinzon at Michelle Dee sumabak bilang kontrabida sa 'Agimat ng Agila'". GMA Network. Retrieved June 17, 2021.
  56. Santiago, Lhar (September 20, 2019). "Melanie Marquez is Michelle Dee's perfect pageant coach". The Manila Times. Retrieved January 16, 2022.
  57. "Jennylyn Mercado, Gabby Concepcion team up in 'Love You Two'". Manila Standard. Retrieved September 19, 2019.
  58. Garcia, Cara Emmeline. "WATCH: GNTV's new lifestyle show 'Glow Up'". GMA Network. Retrieved September 24, 2019.
  59. Eusebio, Aaron Brennt (September 27, 2021). "Michelle Dee dedicates first acting award to parents, Melanie Marquez and Derek Dee". GMA Entertainment. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
  60. Dimaculangan, Jocelyn (September 22, 2019). "33rd Star Awards for Television names TV Queens; PMPC bares nominees". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Retrieved September 23, 2019.
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