Michelle Daniela Marquez Dee, known as Michelle Dee, is a Filipino actress, model, TV host, and beauty pageant titleholder. She comes from a family deeply involved in show business and pageantry, being the daughter of former Miss International Melanie Marquez. Michelle holds a degree in psychology from De La Salle University in Manila and completed a certificate program in entrepreneurship essentials from Harvard Business School.
Michelle’s pageantry journey began when she won Miss World Philippines 2019, subsequently representing the Philippines at Miss World 2019, where she reached the top 12. She later participated in the Miss Universe Philippines 2022 pageant, earning the title of Miss Universe Philippines Tourism 2022. In 2023, Michelle clinched the crown for Miss Universe Philippines 2023 and represented her country at Miss Universe 2023, where she made it to the Top 10.
Aside from her pageantry career, Michelle is an advocate for various causes, including autism awareness, mental health education, hepatitis awareness, and LGBT rights. She has also ventured into modeling, signing with Click Model Management in New York and collaborating with brands like Bench.
Michelle publicly came out as bi in an exclusive interview with MEGA magazine in 2023. She opens up about her journey of self-discovery, delving into the twists and turns of realizing and accepting her sexuality.
Reflecting on her teenage years, Michelle shares the mixed emotions she felt when she first noticed her attraction to girls. One particular memory stands out—her early crush on a female friend that left her questioning what it all meant. Those moments of romantic confusion were pivotal for Michelle, challenging her to rethink society’s norms about love and desire.
Navigating societal expectations wasn’t easy, especially given her family’s public image and her ambitions in the pageant scene. But despite the pressure, Michelle stayed true to herself, refusing to let others define her identity. Coming out as bisexual was her way of taking back control, embracing her truth on her terms, and reclaiming her story.