If she was given the opportunity, this is how Michelle Dee would answer the Top 3 Miss Universe question, ‘If you could live one year in another woman’s shoes, who would you choose and why?’
If she were given the opportunity to answer the question for the Top 3 in the Miss Universe pageant, how would Michelle Dee answer it?
In an interview with Boy Abunda, Michelle was asked the Miss Universe question: “If you could live one year in another woman’s shoes, who would you choose and why?”
The Filipina beauty queen responded that she would choose to live in Apo Whang-od’s shoes. She remarked that the tattoo artist is an “amazing symbol of cultural preservation.”
Michelle further explained: “She has been defying boundaries, stereotypes, and that is something that I have tried to inspire everybody around me as well, which is to hone your unique story, own your traditions, love where you came from, love who you’re surrounded with.
“And truly with that unique story, you can make your country proud, you can show the universe what your country has to offer and in my case, my love for our country can really shake the whole universe as well”.
It can be recalled that Michelle donned a Whang-od tattoo-inspired gown during the Miss Universe pageant.
“A tribute to a legendary Filipina who has become an icon, preserving the rich cultural heritage of indigenous tattoo art. She has achieved global recognition and symbolizes timeless beauty, coinciding with Miss Universe lifting its age restrictions, championing inclusivity, and challenging age stereotypes,” she wrote on social media about her evening gown on November 19.
She added: “A true icon and the last of her kind, a symbol of bravery, beauty, and inclusivity… Whang-od. This evening gown draws inspiration from the icon, with every stitch crafted passionately and proudly dedicated to our country. It is a creation by my friend and designer of dreams, @markbumgarner.”
Michelle finished in the top 10 of Miss Universe. She took home four special awards including being the Best National Costume awardee, being one of the three gold winners of the Voice for Change competition, bagging the Spirit of Carnival Award given by Carnival Cruises, and winning the Miss Universe’s fan vote.
Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua was crowned Miss Universe 2023 while Anntonia Porsild of Thailand won first runner-up, and Moraya Wilson of Australia was declared second runner-up.
