Michelle Dee: Rising as her own 'reyna'

In a world that often boxes women into molds and pageant queens into perfection, Michelle Dee is shattering expectations—gracefully, powerfully, and unapologetically.

Crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2023, Michelle represented the country on the global stage in El Salvador, landing in the Top 10 at the 72nd Miss Universe pageant. That alone could have defined her year. But 2023 became something far more personal—and ultimately, transformational.

“2023 was my most authentic year,” Michelle shared in an exclusive interview with Metro.Style. “Every year after that has just been a deeper version of that authenticity. Coming out as bisexual was a big step. It was a layer of myself I hadn’t shared with the world—but it’s a very real part of who I am.”

Letting go of fear—and the need for approval—became her quiet revolution.

Breaking the mold

From the very beginning, Michelle never shied away from forging her own path. As the daughter of Miss International 1979 Melanie Marquez, many expected her to follow the traditional playbook of pageant royalty. But Michelle was intent on writing her own story—short hair, sharp mind, bold choices and all.

“Competing in Miss Universe the way I did—being the complete opposite of the expected prototype—was one of the biggest risks I’ve taken,” she admitted. “I was the most doubted candidate. But it takes a certain kind of person to go against the grain and still stand tall with dignity. And I did.”

The reward? Not just a place on the world’s biggest stage—but the freedom to define herself on her own terms.

A new crown

Now free from the constraints of the crown, Michelle has stepped into another spotlight—this time as a recording artist. In March 2024, she debuted her first single, “Reyna,” a collaboration between GMA and ABS-CBN Music. It’s a triumphant declaration of self-worth and inner power.

“‘Reyna’ is about finding the beauty in what others call flaws,” she explained. “It’s reclaiming every insult and doubt thrown at you, and transforming it into confidence.”

Her favorite lines? The affirmations in the second verse:

“I am beautiful, I am kind. With strength and wisdom, I clear my mind. Like the sun, I’ll shine and rise again.”

“For me, those words reflect the journey of life,” she said. “It’s not about avoiding the bad—it’s about how you rise from it.”

With over one million streams on Spotify, Reyna is more than a pop anthem—it’s a Pride anthem. A bold, empowering ode to resilience, authenticity, and the quiet power of self-belief. This June, as Pride Month reaches its peak, Michelle releases a new music video for Reyna, reflecting the color, community, and celebration that define her current chapter.

Finding pride

When asked what she’s most proud of this Pride Month, Michelle didn’t hesitate.

“The fact that our voices just keep getting louder. Every year, we take up more space. Even if we’re not fully accepted yet, we show up—and that’s powerful.”

That solidarity within the LGBTQIA+ community continues to inspire her, including the courage of fellow artist and Pinoy Big Brother housemate Klarisse de Guzman, who recently came out publicly.

“Klang’s story reminded me why representation matters,” Michelle reflected. “Just by being visible, you give others permission to believe in themselves.”

And even in what some may call defeat—her Miss Universe loss—Michelle found purpose.

“Coming home without the crown but still being celebrated… that was life-affirming. It reminded me: your worth is not defined by your wins.”

For Michelle, Reyna is not just a song—it’s a message.

“This track wouldn’t hit the same if it came from someone who always wins,” she said. “Because in life, we lose more than we win. But even in loss, there’s dignity. Even in doubt, there’s beauty.”

More than a beauty queen, Michelle Dee has become a voice—clear, confident, and compassionate. Whether through pageantry, music, or advocacy, she consistently uses her platform to uplift others.

“I don’t move backwards,” she declared. “I walk the talk. And I hope how I live—how I treat people—becomes a ripple effect. That’s how real change happens.”

When asked what makes her a reyna today, Michelle smiled and answered simply:

“I am just unapologetically authentic.”

And that authenticity—that quiet, fearless truth—is perhaps the most powerful crown of all.