MANILA, Philippines — Miss Universe Philippines Michelle Dee had a stellar performance during the preliminary competition of the 72nd Miss Universe pageant held in El Salvador.
Michelle had a strong start with her introduction and a blazing swimsuit walk, and wrapping the night in a bow was her strutting down the stage wearing an emerald gown designed by Mark Bumgarner.
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The green dress was an homage to Michelle's mother Melanie Marquez, who wore the same color when she was crowned Miss International 1979, and to the iconic "snake walk" coined by pageants for the pasarela of both beauty queens.
The snakelike qualities of the gown caught the attention of Internet users, many of them pointing out that it strengthened Michelle's chances for the finals on November 18 (the 19th in the Philippines).
Grabe ka Michelle Dee!! Nanunuklaw! ????
— SENYORA (@Senyora) November 16, 2023
#MissUniverse2023 ???????? pic.twitter.com/LebhFQ9nKu
michelle dee is OWNING both green and red. and let’s talk abt how she can also look powerful, confident, and stunning whilst sporting both faces???? OMG#MichelleDee #mmdverse #MMD #MissUniversePhilippines2023 #MissUniverse2023 #72ndMissUniverse #ForDEEUniverse #MissUniverse pic.twitter.com/WqxXdt1pWH
— Io? (@wildcatmorana) November 16, 2023
"Grabe ka Michelle Dee!! Nanunuklaw!" said one user on X, formerly known as Twitter, while another said "From DORA to VALENTINA realness!"
Another user raved over Michelle pulling off a green dress and red swimsuit, appearing powerful, confident, and stunning with different looks on her face.
One more exclamatory remark by an X user went, "SINALAKSAK NG BONGGANG-BONGGA! NGA-NGA!!!!"
Here are several more online reactions to Michelle's evening gown:
OHH AYAN NA NGA!!! POTANGINA SINALAKSAK NG BONGGANG-BONGGA! NGA-NGA!!!! #MichelleDee #MissUniverse2023 pic.twitter.com/WC63xSPc8k
— nicowowww (@jxxm321) November 16, 2023
where can i watch this??? OMG!!! look at her gown. look at how she carries herself. michelle dee is simply rocking this!!!#MichelleDee #mmdverse #MMD #MissUniversePhilippines2023 #MissUniverse2023 #72ndMissUniverse #ForDEEUniverse #MissUniverse
pic.twitter.com/xcsz9XIOQu— Io? (@wildcatmorana) November 16, 2023
In a sea of outdated evening gowns, Michelle Dee's edgy but super classy Mark Bumgarner masterpiece is a standout...reminds me of The Crazy Rich Asians movie...love it!! ???????????????? #MissUniverse #MissUniverse2023 #MichelleDee pic.twitter.com/uJFRyJx4iM
— Neng (@koalaneng) November 16, 2023
YEESSsSSss!! ???? Queen @michellemdee during the Preliminary Evening Gown competition!! WHAT A STUNNER! That gown gave her a super striking but elegant look! ????? FILIPINAS!#MichelleDee #MissUniverse #Philippines #MissUniverse2023 #Philippines #MissUniverso #MichelleMarquezDee pic.twitter.com/DH2lLxTa3q
— Pia Wurtzbach-Jauncey (@PiaWurtzbachUni) November 16, 2023
Fellow beauty queens also shared their admiration for Michelle's performance. These included Pauline Amelinckx, Angelique Manto, Samantha Panlilio, Krisnah Gravidez, and Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach — the latter commenting on Michelle's post a GIF of a jubilant child at a hockey game.
Before the coronation event will be the national costume portion on November 16 (the 17th in the Philippines).
Each of the 84 delegates are vying to succeed Filipino-American R'Bonney Gabriel for the Miss Universe title, with Michelle hoping to win the Philippines' fifth crown.
RELATED: Michelle Dee stuns in green Mark Bumgarner gown during Miss Universe 2023 evening gown portion