Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 25) — It was a warm and jam-packed homecoming for Miss Universe Philippines Michelle Marquez Dee as she returned to the country.
Fans and supporters flocked to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 to welcome the Miss Universe top 10 finalist who arrived home Saturday night on a flight from Los Angeles, California, USA.
LOOK: Miss Universe Philippines Michelle Dee is home! ✈️👑
The Pinay beauty arrived in the Philippines from California, USA. Dee finished in the top 10 of the Miss Universe 2023 pageant last Nov. 19 in El Salvador. | via @agathasgregorio https://t.co/jrWE7ZnsZ8
— CNN Philippines (@cnnphilippines) November 25, 2023
Dee competed in the prestigious pageant in El Salvador that culminated on Nov. 19 with the coronation of Nicaragua’s Sherynnis Palacios as Miss Universe 2023.
Speaking to the media upon her return, Dee said she was grateful for making new friends with fellow candidates and hinted at a possible project with Miss Thailand’s Anntonia Porsild, who was Palacio’s first runner-up.
“Anntonia naman, both of us have created such good friendships…,” she said. “Of course, may mga things na nakalatag doon.”
“May news kaming natanggap nu’ng pauwi na kaming dalawa kaya abangan niyo nalang,” added Dee, whose mother is Miss International 1979 Melanie Marquez.
[Translation: Anntonia and I, both of us have created such good friendships…Of course, there are things laid out there. We both received news when we were on our way home so just watch out for it.]
In a post on X, Dee shared a moment between her and Porsild before her flight back home.
It’s not goodbye, just see you later! 🇵🇭🇹🇭
(ps: i woke up & won the bet)#pordee pic.twitter.com/UzZ5VJQc4D
— MMD (@michellemdee) November 23, 2023
“Lahat ng nangyayari may dahilan. Alam ko marami pa tayong puwede ipakita sa buong mundo. Pinakita talaga natin kung gaano kalakas ang bayanihan spirit ng Pilipinas,” said the actress-model, who brought home four special awards including Best National Costume.
[Translation: Everything happens for a reason. I know there is more we can show the world. We showed the strength of the Filipino bayanihan spirit.]
It appears that Dee has a lot on her plate as she also talked about an upcoming television project.
“May tine-tease ako na I will be returning on television very, very soon […] Sobrang nakaka-excite ‘yung project. Very, very relatable po sa akin,” she said.
Earlier, Dee also posted about a very “special role” in an upcoming show with the clue “ala-Freya.”
She recently played Freya Salazar in the recent GMA action-drama “Mga Lihim ni Urduja.”
Joining a show soon with a very “special role”. Any guesses?
Clue: ala-Freya
— MMD (@michellemdee) November 23, 2023
Related: Michelle Dee returns to acting after Miss U stint
