PAGEANT Circle

Philippines' Michelle Dee has been announced by the Miss Universe Organization as the winner of the Miss Universe 2023 Best in National Costume. The Filipina beauty who entered the Top 10 in the 72nd Miss Universe competition on November 18 in El Salvador was voted by the fans through the official Miss Universe app. Michelle's national costume is a beautiful creation of Michael Barassi. It represents the Philippines itself — resilient, radiant, and ready to embrace the Universe. With each thread woven into the "solihiya" pattern, an iconic design used in the tropics of the Philippines, it embraces her body flawlessly — unfolding the story of the islands' unity and artistry. Rising from her back, her wings bear the colors of the Philippine flag and a mural of its most breathtaking sights while parading the country's official tourism slogan: #LoveThePhilippines. Crowned with a captain's hat, her costume is a salute to her role as an Air Force reservist and t

The 72nd Miss Universe has just concluded in San Salvador, El Salvador with Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua bagging her country's first ever Miss Universe title. Amid the much talked about victory, the black Whang-od-inspired gown worn by Michelle Dee of the Philippines during the Top 10 evening gown competition became one of the trending topics online. Fans were shocked the Filipina beauty did not advance to the Top 5 question and answer round following her stellar performance throughout the pageant. Many flocked to social media comments to express their disappointments. Michelle's gown made by the talented Filipino designer Mark Bumgarner was an ode to Apo Whang-od (also known as Maria Oggay), a traditional tattoo artist, from the Kalinga tribe in the Philippines. At the age of 106, Whang-od became the oldest woman to ever grace the cover of Vogue magazine. She practices the ancient art of batok, an indigenous form of tattooing through hand-tapping using a lemon tree thorn and

Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Marquez Dee looked stunning in a tailored denim outfit by Renz Reyes for her departure look on Friday, November 3 at the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The Filipina beauty completed her look with accessories from Tiffany & Co., a bag from Fendi, and shoes from Saint Laurent for her trip to El Salvador to compete in the 72nd Miss Universe pageant. To recall, Michelle and her team left the Philippines on Tuesday, October 31 for a few days stopover in the United States before heading to the competition. In an interview before her flight, she urged her countrymen to continue to support her Miss Universe journey by voting for her through the Miss Universe app and CI Talk's Voice for Change challenge. Based on the latest results, it appears that Filipinos strongly support Michelle's bid for their country's fifth Miss Universe crown. The "Bayanihan" campaign was launched by her supporters to secure her the top positio

Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee, the representative of the Philippines to the upcoming Miss Universe 2023 pageant in El Salvador, recently launched her own foundation, the Global Spectrum Initiative (GSI). Inspired by her two brothers on the autism spectrum, Michelle is a strong advocate for autism awareness. She has been a long-time partner and Goodwill Ambassador of the Autism Society Philippines. Her foundation is dedicated to creating a world where inclusion matters for everyone. It aims to build a strong community that fosters inclusivity and acceptance and to create a sanctuary for individuals on the autism spectrum. GSI will also provide quality resources, guidance counseling, and educational programs, and create specialized rooms for learning, sensory stimulation, occupational workshops, and socialization. Michelle took the stage during the Philippine Blockchain Week 2023 this week at Marriot Manila to talk about her advocacy. She launched a special art collection o

Matea Smith was crowned Miss Filipina International 2023 in a glittering competition held on Saturday, August 5 at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California. The 21-year-old model and a behavioral and cognitive neuroscience student at the University of Florida bested over 30 other competitors to win the beauty title. Aside from the title, she also bagged the Best in Swimsuit award. She succeeds last year's winner, Blessa Figueroa. Amanda Russo was named Miss Filipina International Tourism 2023 while Lauren Skeoch, Patricia Tapia, and Rylen Steinbuch were announced as the first, second, and third runners-up, respectively. Rounding out the Top 15 semifinalists were Beatriz Mclelland, Dakota Swart, Denise Samaniego, Hannah Marte, Heather Casignia, Issa Rose Mata, Jessica Zemanek, Kawina Kan-hai, Kelly McIlroy, and Mary Ann Monda. Hosted by Jeannie Mai and Cheryl Burke, this year's competition marked the 10th-anniversary edition of the annual Miss Filipina Intern

Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee has finally put an end to online speculations on her sexuality after several photos of her younger "tomboy" days surfaced. The beauty queen went to social media to announce her first "Mega" magazine cover since winning her national title and where she also came out as a proud bisexual. "This cover is about telling MY personal story and taking control of MY narrative," Michelle captioned a post with her photos wearing Balmain for the Philippines' best fashion magazine. "It's an embodiment of how I truly own who I am and how I want to encourage others to do the same," she added and went on to thank the publication, her national pageant organization, and supporters. She also wrote, "I hope this cover and my story not only empowers you to be authentic to who you are but to also be a champion of the people who are also taking the steps to be as true as they can be to themselves." "Let&

Binibining Pilipinas 2023 is just around the corner and former Miss Universe Catriona Gray is ready to "servvv" as she hosts the much-awaited event this Sunday. The Binibining Pilipinas alumna will be hosting the national pageant for the third time since 2021 with her sister queen and former Miss Grand Philippines Nicole Cordoves. In a post on social media, Catriona shared their latest photoshoot inspired by global icons Cher and Raquel Welch performing "I'm A Woman" in the 70s. Catriona also posted their video lip-syncing to the song and wrote in the caption: "Dedicated to all the capable, strong women going after their dreams this weekend on the #BbPilipinas2023 stage, as well as to ALL women who refuse to cease in their pursuit of their dreams." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Catriona Gray (@catriona_gray) The fourth Filipina Miss Universe also expressed she is excited to return as host in the upcoming edition and

Miss Makati, Michelle Marquez Dee bested 37 other competitors to win Miss Universe Philippines 2023 on Saturday, May 13 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. The 28-year-old actress and model won the national title in her second attempt. She will now prepare to represent the Philippines at Miss Universe 2023 in El Salvador later this year. Christine Juliane Opiaza of Zamables was named first runner-up while Mary Angelique Manto of Pampanga finished as second runner-up. Following the show, Top 5 finalists Krishnah Marie Gravidez of Baguio and Pauline Amelinckx of Bohol were awarded the titles Miss Charm Philippines 2024 and Miss Supranational Philippines 2023, respectively. No stranger to pageantry, the new Miss Universe Philippines was last year second to her predecessor Celeste Cortesi and was awarded the title Miss Universe Philippines Tourism. In 2019, she was crowned Miss World Philippines and went on to compete in the 69th Miss World edition in London where she placed in the

After weeks of pre-pageant events and activities, the grand coronation night of the prestigious Miss Universe Philippines 2023 is happening tonight at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena in Pasay City, Metro Manila. One deserving Filipina will emerge from a field of 38 contestants the ultimate winner who will represent the Philippines at Miss Universe 2023 in El Salvador later this year. The much-awaited show live streaming on ABS-CBN Entertainment YouTube channel will be hosted by Filipino actors Xian Lim and Alden Richards, TV presenter Tim Yap, former Miss Globe from the Philippines, Maureen Montagne, and former Miss Universe from South Africa Zozibini Tunzi. Tonight's star-studded edition themed "Inspirational Filipina" will feature musical performances from Filipino group SV Squad, South Korean singer Nam Woo-hyun and "American Idol" runner-up Jessica Sanchez. Reigning Miss Universe from the USA, R'Bonney Gabriel, and Miss Universe 1973 from the Philippine