Michelle Dee recounts being ‘sabotaged’ during her first international beauty pageant
Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee recalled how she got "sabotaged" when she first competed in an international beauty pageant.
In Bea Alonzo's #ByBea lie detector vlog on Saturday, Sept. 9, the 28-year-old beauty queen revealed she experienced being sabotaged just once, and it was during her first-ever beauty pageant on the international scene.
"During our rehearsals, I was wearing a beautiful, beautiful piece by Francis Libiran. I had two golden fans. So, we had, I think, a group photo or something, so I had to put my fans down," Michelle said, referring to her national costume for the tilt.
The actress noticed that the fans were gone when she came back from the photo session. She immediately texted her team, which said that they were "ready to produce another set." But thanks to CCTV footage and the Pinoys at her hotel, they found the missing pieces a short time later.
"This is why I love Pinoys all over the world—that hotel had so many Pinoys, and then I was like, ‘My fans are missing,’" she recalled. "Hindi nila sinabi kung sino, basta may kumatok that same night, and then my fans were on the floor."
Michelle recalled how Miss World 2013 titleholder Megan Young reminded her to "bring a backup all the time" especially with the important things needed for outfit changes.
"It's been done before not to me. There are people who cut zippers. Unfortunately, there are people who choose to do bad things," she quoted Megan.
While Michelle didn't specify the exact event where she was "sabotaged," it can be noted that the local star's first international competition in pageantry was for Miss World back in 2019, which she concluded with a Top 12 finish.
At the NATCOS segment, Michelle wore a Philippine terno with Libiran's signature intricate Art Deco embroidery. Decked out with custom embroidery patterns inspired by the historic Visayan tattoo called "Batek," the creation was intricately made with custom embellishments and handmade beadwork. Two golden fans completed the look.
Michelle is the country's representative in the upcoming Miss Universe pageant, which will take place in El Salvador in November.
Just recently, the Miss Universe Philippines organization gave a glimpse of the beauty queen's "fierce pasarela training," where she can be seen practicing her long, elegant strides in pink high heels while wearing black sweatpants and a crop top.