In person, Michelle Marquez Dee does not fit the description of being "the perfect symbol of a people rich in love." She doesn't have the "X-factor," that magical quality that the legendary Eileen Ford used to look for in a supermodel. No sugarcoating here – we're in agreement with the summation of the first Filipina Miss Universe Gloria Diaz, that Dee deserved a grade of 8 with her Miss Universe pageant performance. 

But she is her own impressive woman. During the Sparkle-organized mediacon for her homecoming, she arrived in what seemed like an Alexis Carrington Colby-inspired cocktail number, a peach and shimmering sequined Mark Bumgarner creation. She was obviously jubilant, beamed with pride knowing that she did well with a Top 10 finish and four special awards: Spirit of Carnival Award, Best National Costume Award, Fan Vote Winner and one of the three Gold Winners of the Voice for Change. 

Not a Catriona clone

Michelle Marquez Dee's reply to all her queries were always and sincere. What they lacked perhaps were the spontaneity and joie de vivre that were the main ingredients of the answers of Miss Universe Catriona Gray.

"My focus was to do my absolute best," recalled Dee of her Miss U stint. "Of course, there is no denying that not being able to be part of the top 5 and winning the title, masakit (it hurt). But I'd rather enjoy and focus on the opportunities that have come my way." 

Those opportunities include becoming a part of Ruru Madrid's hit action series Black Rider.

"GMA knows me from the inside out, "Dee declared. "When they suggested that I become part of Black Rider because they know that nagmo-motor ako, it made me happy. I'm an adrenaline junkie. To have this support system making sure that the projects I get are in line with what works for me — that's such a big blessing, for sure."

She is also the newest brand ambassador of the Department of Tourism.

Asked how she would compare herself to her previous versions, like the MMD that won the Miss World Philippines title in 2019, Dee replied: "My goal now is really just to shine authentically — unapologetically authentic. This is the person I am celebrating. I embraced my uniqueness, my story, and I made sure to bring along everyone in this journey para sama-sama nating ma-experience ang Miss Universe."

Would she want a future daughter to join the Miss Universe contest as well? Her surprising answer: "Just like my mother who did not encourage me to join any beauty pageant, I will let my future daughter choose her own career path.  I am here to guide her and support her every step of way, whatever she chooses. However, since we are on the subject of future kids, I want a son as my first-born."

Mom Melanie

Dee related that that her mom, Miss International 1979 and Ford Supermodel Competition 1986 First Runner-up Melanie Marquez, was "very, very proud" of her performance.

"I had not seen my mom after the pageant. The photo that came out where she was hugging me, that was taken at the airport. What she said to me were endearing phrases, statements of love, support. She told me na parang wala na akong ibang magagawa to change the results or in terms of my performance. Sabi niya, 'Ginawa mo 'yung advice ko, binakla mo kaming lahat.' And of course, she was just very, very proud."

About the other Miss Universe mother, Anne Jakrajutatip, Dee's choice of words was most careful, especially when referring to a viral video clip where the Thai mogul was seen pulling Dee to join her face the camera while Jakrajutatip admonished viewers to "move on."

"My encounters with Ms. Ann have been very limited," said Dee. "I think dun sa video na 'yun, that was probably my second or third interaction lang sa kanya. That was probably my longest interaction already. So, parang my judgment of character, very brief lang."

But, about former Miss Universe mainstay Paula Shugart, who resigned from the organization right after the close of this year's pageant, Dee had more to say.

"I have gotten so many more interactions with Miss Paula Shugart. She is definitely motherly. She respects everyone, she respects the pageant, everything that was involved with it. When she made her announcement that she was stepping down, I had a moment with her backstage, and I was at a loss for words, because I really find her one of the most inspirational women in the world. And all I said was thank you, and you know medyo naiiyak ako in that moment, because I really did look up to her and I feel like her stepping down is one huge loss for Miss Universe."

To the next one who will follow her reign, Dee advised: "Be authentic. You have to know who you are and what you're bringing onstage. You have to know your vision, and in the process bring the Filipino people along in that journey."