Michelle Dee

"I think one of the worst impressions about me, especially in my career, is I had it easy."

"People don't know how hard I work behind the scenes. People don't know what I went through growing up. People think I'm a nepo baby because I have two prominent parents, but I have been independent since I was a teenager."

"I am just taking it day by day. People don't know I am drowning. [I am] very proud of where I am but I know that there is so much more that I could do."

"Always a 10, we always try to have a better year than the previous year. A lot of growth talaga (of course) and I'm excited to start anew."

"2023 was my most authentic year. Every year after that has just been a deeper version of that authenticity."

"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. 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.”"

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

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

"It’s not about avoiding the bad—it’s about how you rise from it."

"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."

"Just by being visible, you give others permission to believe in themselves."

"Your worth is not defined by your wins."

"In life, we lose more than we win. But even in loss, there’s dignity. Even in doubt, there’s beauty."

"I don’t move backward. I walk the talk. And I hope how I live—how I treat people—becomes a ripple effect. That’s how real change happens."

"I am just unapologetically authentic."

"Every challenge became a chance to learn, every collaboration a reminder of the beauty of a shared vision"

"But I firmly believe that the best natural resource that the Philippines is us Filipinos. We are the true heart and soul of the Philippines with the way we are hospitable, with the warm smiles... And we are the reason why the world keeps coming back for more. No matter where the universe takes me, I'll always be proud to call the Philppines my home. And no matter what happens I will always be proud to call myself Pinoy."

"Hard work really pays off, so never stop chasing after ‘that dream,’ okay?"

"Body positivity is about loving yourself and doing what makes you happy,"

"Do what is best for you individually, but never step on anybody’s toes in the process."

"Be careful who you trust."

"Challenging, but incredibly fulfilling, humbling, fruitful in more ways than one."

"It's not done until it's won."

"Winning this year validates not just to me but to every Filipino that with hard work, perseverance and passion, you can achieve anything."

"Thank you for being my rock and for giving me the strength to keep going"

"Life is hard but life is also beautiful and we just have to let others in."

"I hope you know that seeking for help is not a sign of weakness pero (but) it is a sign of ultimate strength because kakayanin natin ang lahat basta alam niyo na hindi kayo nag-iisa at laging may nakahanda na tumulong sa inyo. (because we will be able to carry on as long as you know that you are not alone and there is always somebody ready to help you.)"

"It’s so important now more than ever na we are expressing how important it is to stick together kasi lahat po tayo may pinagdadaanan and hindi po natin alam kung anong pinagdadaanan ng iba. (It's important now more than ever that we are expressing important it is to stick together because all of us are going through something and we do not know what the others are going through.)"

"It felt like forever."

"All you can hope for is that destiny is on your side."

"My mom is one of my biggest inspirations. She is responsible for why I am so strong. She is somebody that I really look up to. She was nothing but proud. She instilled in my mind that I should shine as my own woman, be confident in what I have and what I have to offer."

"I dedicated my whole journey to my mom and my family. I owe it to them that I’m a strong and empowered individual."

"Hard work and dedication can get you anywhere you want in life.”"

"I want to set a great example for people to become empowered and transformational leaders"

"My father always taught me that if you have the means to give back, then you should always give back. I’m so grateful to have such strong pillars in my life, teaching me that the only way to go is to make sure that people around you are safe and taken care of."

"Love and kindness over everything!"

"My ausome brothers taught me how to be understanding and considerate."

"I wouldn’t be what I am today without them. They’re my inspiration, my rock."

"Challenge accepted — always!"

"I’ve stood here many, many times, but today, we’ve gone much farther, we’re much louder and much prouder than ever before."

"Every time I stand here on behalf of the Autism Society of the Philippines, I’m reminded that this is about the community that I serve, this is about my purpose, about my family and the families that have to go through this every single day. They have to be heard, they need to be seen, and they need support now more than ever."

"It’s not just about strength in numbers but strength in purpose, how much farther we can go"

"I’m just looking forward to a brighter, more inclusive future for persons on the autism spectrum."

"Own who you really are and have that self-worth and confidence to control your life."

"Let’s make a conscious effort to make this a better world"

"I was getting positive feedback by just being myself. I never had to identify myself."

"I’m so much more than how I identify myself. I have so much more to offer the world and the universe than how I identify myself."

"I’m attracted to all forms of beauty, all shapes and sizes"

"We did what we could, but destiny has greater things for us! Everything ALWAYS happens for a reason."

"If I could choose to live in any woman’s shoes, it would be Apo Whang-Od. She’s an amazing symbol of cultural preservation. She’s an amazing symbol of ageism. She has been defying boundaries, stereotypes, and that is something that I have tried to inspire everybody around me as well, which is to own your unique story, own your traditions, love where you came from, love who you’re with, who you’re surrounded with. And truly, with that unique story, you can make your country proud. You can show the universe what your country has to offer. In my case, my love for my country can shake the whole universe as well."