Michelle bares some of her regrets after not making it to the Top 5 of Miss Universe 2023
Michelle Dee has grown sentimental after reminiscing her non-inclusion to the podium cut of the recently concluded Miss Universe pageant on November 19, 2023.
IMAGE: themissuniverseph on Instagram
Despite a stellar performance and being a heavy fan-favorite, Michelle has fallen short in securing a spot in the Top 5, marking her Miss Universe journey as a top-ten finisher.
In an interview with “24 Oras” on Monday, November 27, Michelle admits being regretful over her placement since she prepared for the competition for months.
A teary-eyed Michelle says, “Sayang lang that hindi ko lang natapos. Sayang lang kasi I knew, if nakahawak ako ng mic, I knew I would have given a smashing answer.
When asked if it’s only fair for the judges to place her in the Top 10, Michelle says, “I want to accept whatever reality is, you know, given to me.
“My goal was really to give 200 percent of myself and to make sure that the Filipinos know that as well.”
Confident with what she showcased, Michelle says that she does not know which aspect of her performance would she care to change in order to go further into the competition.
All things considered, she puts her Miss Universe fate as simple as, “It wasn’t our destiny.”
Michelle Dee admits breaking down in the bathroom
Michelle has also recalled that she went straight to the bathroom to cry after not being called into the Top 5.
She says, “Admittedly, dumiretso ako sa banyo at medyo naiyak talaga ako.
“I knew we had to go back on stage kasi, you know, we’re sportsmen like that. Pero ayun nga, medyo naiyak talaga ako out of frustration.”
More so, she admits that her emotions were fueled more strongly by a photocard from Miss Universe El Salvador Organization. The photo in question refers to a Top 5 announcement, which includes the Philippines.
Michelle says, “I went back to my cubicle and that’s when I saw the screenshot na parang medyo nakagulo sa utak na parang, ‘What is this?’”
However, it was later claimed by the organization that the mistake happened without any malice. Any mistake from what happened could only be accounted for rushing to release and nothing more.
IMAGE: michelledee on Instagram
As for Michelle, it happened for a reason regardless whether it is intentional or not. At the end of the day, she rested her case with the thought that “we don’t live in a perfect world.”
Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua was hailed as the eventual winner. It was the first time that the country has won in Miss Universe.
READ ALSO: Who Is Michelle Dee Beyond The Miss Universe Philippines Crown
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