Miss Universe 2023 to be held in November in El Salvador
Save the date this November, pageant fans!
The Miss Universe 2023 pageant will officially be held in El Salvador on Nov. 18 this year, the pageant organization announced on its social media pages on Friday.
The prestigious competition will see R'Bonney Gabriel of the United States crowning her next successor at the end of the event. As of July 26, 31 contestants have been confirmed to vie for the title.
For the Philippines, Michelle Dee of Makati City will represent the country on the international stage after she bested 37 other candidates during the pageant's grand coronation night on May 13.
During the question and answer portion, Dee was asked about her insights on how the Philippines can close the gap between the rich and the poor considering how the country still has a high income inequality.
Her answer focused more on trying to improve the education system as it will play a big factor in improving the lives of many.
"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 really through education because education holds no status quo and every Filipino child has the right to an education but not any education but quality education," Dee explained.
The beauty queen was also asked about the best thing that the Philippines can offer to the world, to which she answered, "The Philippines is home to very beautiful natural resources—from the beaches, the mountains, but I firmly believe that the best natural resource that the Philippines has is us Filipinos."
She continued, "We are the true heart and soul of the Philippines—with the way we are hospitable, with the warm smiles."
Dee is now eyeing the country's fifth Miss Universe crown. Gloria Diaz first won the crown for the Philippines in 1969, followed by Margie Moran in 1973, Pia Wurtzbach in 2015, and Catriona Gray in 2018.