"We stand united with individuals on the autism spectrum and their families, and together we can build a more inclusive, empowering, and sustainable world for all."

"Individuals on the autism spectrum possess a unique skill set making them valuable assets in various roles, from technology and data analysis to creative fields as well"

"It's always been a life-long advocacy for me to advocate for autism awareness, autism acceptance, and inclusivity"

"What I fail to do is master the art of getting my thought across in 30 seconds."

"I would read it and not be affected because I have learned to only listen to people that matter."

"That in being yourself, you will find people who will believe and see the potential within you. In choosing to be yourself, you will find enough strength and power to achieve anything you set your mind to"

"To me, this gown symbolizes that in this life, it’s not about always being what everyone expects you to be. It’s about having restraint and choosing to stay true to yourself even if it’s so much easier to just follow what everyone wants you to be."

"That’s why I do what I do. My life should also serve as a source of inspiration. You walk the talk. **https://kami.com.ph/entertainment/celebrities/174663-michelle-dee-emosyonal-sa-paglabas-ng-pbb-i-didnt-leave/"

"I actually work best under pressure. I actually thrive under pressure"

"Because life’s too short to keep giving myself excuses not to do things I know will fulfill my purpose in life, and service to others and my country has always been one of them."

"Own who you really are and have that self-worth and confidence to control your life. If you try to take that away, I’ll take it back. It boils down to respecting people and spreading love and spreading light."

"My identity is not what I want to be remembered for."

"I joined the pageant because this is much greater than myself. This is about the cause I’m fighting, advocating for: autism awareness. That’s my main goal"

"A lot of the individuals on the spectrum are not given that opportunity because the common perception is that they can’t do it. It’s just about opening those doors and creating those opportunities because, again, this isn’t one of the more popular advocacies to bring on."

"It’s just such an amazing platform to do the good that you want to do."

"One in every 100 children is born with autism. The community should join forces and work together towards the sustainable development goal of creating opportunities for all."

"At a very young age, she taught me that you know the best thing in life is giving back. When you’re in the position to give back to your community, then you should do that."

"When somebody takes away your story, then you should take control of that narrative. Turn it around and make it an empowering story."

"I’m so much more than how I identify myself."

"Come as you are."

"Women now have more ways to educate themselves, share their stories, and connect with others than ever before,” she explained. “It’s about harnessing these tools to support each other, grow our careers, and break barriers."

"It’s all about making choices that make you feel good about yourself. Body positivity is about loving yourself and doing what makes you happy."

"To always walk life full of gratitude, love, and kindness."

"At Autism Society Philippines, we see every individual on the spectrum as having talent and want them to live fulfilled and empowered lives. That's why I advocate for acceptance, inclusivity, and awareness."

"My two siblings on the autism spectrum are my lifelong mission. Being able to give them what they need and be a part of the solution is something that I don't take lightly. I know the kind of life I want them to live, I know what is lacking in the Philippines and the world. It means the world to me to be part of such a positive change for my siblings and everybody on the autism spectrum."

"We have shown the true power of our bayanihan (a Filipino value of working together) spirit. Thank you for seeing the potential in me and rallying behind me when it matters the most. This is our collective success."

"My best advice is to move and live with purpose. Be certain with who you are and why you are here. The crown will always be a symbol of triumph. But win or lose, it’s the lives that you touched that really make a difference."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"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."

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

"Challenge accepted — always!"

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

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

"Love and kindness over everything!"

"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."

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

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

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

"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."

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

"It felt like forever."