Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee spoke Spanish when she introduced herself at an event, surprising and impressing the local pageant fans on social media.
Michelle joined the other delegates who attended the Miss Universe 2023 welcome gala and dinner in El Salvador on November 9.
In a video uploaded by pageant pages on Facebook, the Makati beauty served looks and Spanish-speaking skills onstage when she introduced herself to the audience. El Salvador is a Spanish-speaking country.
The footage was shot by makeup artist and pageant coach Jan Quijano.
Michelle later uploaded this video on her Instagram account. She also shared snapshots of her favorite moments from the evening with her followers.
“A few snaps from last night’s welcome dinner for the #72MISSUNIVERSE delegates!” she wrote.
“Once again, muschísimas gracias #elsalvador & @missuniversosv for the amazing hospitality you’ve been showing the whole @missuniverse organization! I can’t wait for the universe to experience such an amazing country,” she added.
This video soon made rounds across local and international pageant accounts on social media.
Pageants News, an account dedicated to covering Miss Universe events, talked about Michelle’s “prowess” in speaking Spanish, saying that she is proof that Filipinos are the “Latinos of Asia.”
“Miss Universe Philippines 2023 #MichelleDee showcased her prowess in speaking Spanish during her introduction. She proves that Filipinos [are] the ‘Latinos of Asia,’” it said.
“Filipino culture is a unique blend of East and West. With heavy Spanish and American influences from colonization, Filipino culture is a melting pot of different traditions, values, music, and food from around the world,” it also added.
Michelle’s Spanish speaking skills also stunned and wowed several Filipinos on social media.
“Ano na?! Nagstart na ng pasabog si @michellemdee!!! Spanish [communication] skills activated!” an X user commented.
“Mukhang maraming nakain na Spanish bread si Miss Filipinas,” a Facebook user also said. Spanish bread is a popular bread roll in the Philippines.
“With feelings not just memorizing, you can feel the sincerity. We’re so proud of you Ms. Philippines!” another Facebook user expressed.
In a previous interview, Michelle said that she learned Spanish from her parents, former beauty queen Melanie Marquez and former actor Derek Dee.
“Well, I am a Marquez. So, I learned a little bit of the basics but of course, I had to touch it up before coming to El Salvador,” she said.
Since the start of the 72nd Miss Universe competition in El Salvador, Michelle has been gaining buzz online for her various engagement and social media presence.
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If she wins the crown, Michelle will succeed last year’s R’Bonney Gabriel and be the fifth Pinay to win the prestigious competition.