Aired (October 30, 2023): She’s ready, determined, and hungry for the crown! Bago rumampa sa El Salvador para sa “Miss Universe 2023,” tumungo at nakipagkuwentuhan muna ang Miss Universe Philippines na si Michelle Dee kasama ang ‘King of Talk!’ Ano’ng klaseng paghahanda nga ba ang pinagkakaabalahan niya bago ang nasabing beauty pageant? Alamin ang lahat ng ‘yan dito!
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00:00 [MUSIC PLAYING]
00:03 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
00:13 And welcome to Fast Talk with Boy Abunda.
00:22 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
00:24 streaming channels at YouTube at Facebook.
00:27 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
00:30 Welcome to the program.
00:31 [APPLAUSE]
00:35 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
00:52 Please welcome Miss Universe 2023--
00:55 I'm not going to say Philippines--
00:58 Michelle D.
00:59 [APPLAUSE]
01:02 Before I forget, the late and happy birthday.
01:07 Thank you.
01:08 Thank you very much.
01:09 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
01:12 [LAUGHTER]
01:14 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
01:21 But I truly believe it's one of my lucky charms
01:23 because before I competed, I was also here for the nationals.
01:26 Thank you.
01:27 Yes.
01:27 So thank you.
01:28 No, thank you.
01:30 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
01:32 Luck defined us, residue of design.
01:35 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
01:37 Correct, correct.
01:38 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
01:39 I believe in luck.
01:40 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
01:42 All I'm saying, if I'm not making sense,
01:49 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
01:52 Well, you know, I love you so much, Tito Boy.
01:54 My flight is later, but [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
01:57 [APPLAUSE]
01:59 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
02:01 This is a send-off interview for Michelle.
02:04 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
02:08 Oh, Tito Boy, I am born ready.
02:11 But of course, I really put in 100% of myself
02:14 in the efforts of training.
02:15 It never stopped.
02:16 It's been, I feel like, years in the making already.
02:19 But ever since I've won, I've been continuously training,
02:21 training, training, especially the last few weeks.
02:24 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
02:25 Making sure that every aspect of my competition
02:28 is ironed out because I'm very hands-on with my journey.
02:31 Everything has my input, especially my creative input.
02:34 So I believe that we'll be ready in a few days.
02:38 So when you talk about training, [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
02:40 I know we originally spoke about the snake walk.
02:44 Right.
02:44 Has this evolved?
02:45 And we'll show that later.
02:47 Has this evolved?
02:47 Are you still in the process of discovering exactly
02:50 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
02:53 Right.
02:53 What's happening?
02:55 So I am being trained by Ian Mendejar
02:57 and also collaborating with Jonas Galfood.
03:01 So I have both of them working on my walk.
03:03 But I do feel that I have a more polished walk.
03:05 Again, the snake walk was dubbed by my supporters,
03:09 by our fellow netizens.
03:10 So we'll see.
03:11 We'll see what they have to say about that.
03:13 But of course, all I want to do is
03:15 make sure that my execution is flawless,
03:18 that I really amplify my assets, and that the universe
03:21 can see that.
03:22 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
03:23 Until also you're on stage, [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
03:27 Yes.
03:28 It's a different kind of energy.
03:29 It's a different kind of vibe.
03:30 Correct, correct.
03:31 Because believe it or not, during the nationals,
03:33 we only found out our blocking, I think, two nights before.
03:37 So that's when Ian and I figured out
03:40 what we were going to do on stage.
03:42 And then I guess it was just a coincidence
03:45 that a lot of netizens really caught onto the snake walk.
03:49 Because it was an S walk inspired by my mom.
03:51 And I guess they just labeled it the S walk after.
03:54 But of course, question and answer
03:55 is also very, very important in my preparation.
03:58 I've been training Q&A the most compared
04:01 to all of the other aspects.
04:03 Of course, I have BDQ&A doing that, the same team that
04:06 trained me for the nationals.
04:08 So yeah.
04:08 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
04:10 But I'm not worried about you there, to be very honest.
04:12 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
04:14 We were supposed to call each other and do some sessions.
04:17 Yes.
04:18 I'm not worried at all.
04:19 I've been listening to you.
04:20 I've been watching you intently.
04:23 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
04:24 You're in the zone.
04:25 You're present.
04:26 And that's important.
04:27 You show up every time you're asked a question.
04:29 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
04:31 Top 10?
04:32 Right.
04:34 I know.
04:35 Most voted countries.
04:36 Yes, yes.
04:37 And you are one of the top 10.
04:39 Correct.
04:39 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
04:41 If you come out number one in that list,
04:43 you automatically join the semifinals.
04:46 Semifinals, correct.
04:47 So is there a game plan for that?
04:50 Well, first and foremost, I was so happy and relieved
04:53 when I saw us on the top 10.
04:55 Of course, it is a joint effort.
04:57 I'm not going there alone.
04:58 I'm bringing with me the whole country.
05:00 I like that.
05:01 You know?
05:01 And it was so--
05:02 I come as one.
05:03 I stand as 10,000.
05:05 113 million Filipinas.
05:07 Correct.
05:08 OK.
05:09 Advocacy.
05:11 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
05:13 Because this was talked about in the last years.
05:17 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
05:18 Advocacy, the stories.
05:19 You're right.
05:20 The stories of the candidates.
05:22 What are you bringing to Miss Universe
05:25 in the context of advocacy?
05:29 Well, you know, Tito Boy, my advocacy was the same as before.
05:33 It's really towards autism, inclusivity, awareness,
05:36 and empowerment.
05:37 I have two siblings on the autism spectrum.
05:39 Yes, I have two siblings on the autism spectrum.
05:41 They're both amazing individuals.
05:43 But it's really because of their perspective and their life.
05:46 You know, their life's moments and the things
05:49 that I've witnessed personally also
05:51 that made me advocate for this.
05:52 It's not an advocacy that I chose.
05:55 But it's an advocacy that chose me because of all of that.
05:59 And it gave me a greater purpose.
06:01 It showed me how to really give back to others,
06:04 to be more empathetic and understanding.
06:06 And that's what all of these individuals deserve.
06:09 And millions of individuals go through this.
06:12 Millions of families are affected.
06:14 Their voices aren't heard.
06:15 And if nobody champions for them,
06:17 I believe that should be me.
06:19 You know why your story is so clear?
06:21 It's the story of your life.
06:22 I mean, this is not something that you--
06:23 you're right.
06:24 This is not something that you chose.
06:26 This is the life of your two siblings.
06:28 You're bringing it into a bigger platform.
06:30 You share the story.
06:31 And that's what it is.
06:32 Yes.
06:32 I mean, it's not your typical mainstream advocacy.
06:35 Usually, people might tap into poverty or climate change,
06:39 which are all very, very important.
06:41 But I believe it's about time that we
06:42 recognize all of these individuals
06:44 and celebrate them also.
06:47 Right.
06:48 OK, let's go back to the walk.
06:50 Because that's what people are looking forward to.
06:52 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
06:54 As of now, as of today, because it cancels change a bit,
06:56 I mean, here and there.
06:58 But [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
07:01 Again, a more polished, refined walk.
07:04 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
07:05 You know, the organization has actually--
07:08 and my trainers have been posting my walk recently.
07:11 And now--
07:12 I've seen some of them.
07:13 Yeah, now they're kind of dubbing it more like the air
07:15 walk instead of the--
07:16 The air walk.
07:17 And again, it's because of the fans that do it.
07:20 So now I just--
07:22 what's different?
07:24 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
07:25 It's just more polished.
07:26 So it's more-- same lang.
07:31 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
07:32 [APPLAUSE]
07:34 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
07:37 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
07:40 Not Philippines, Miss Universe 2023.
07:43 And this is what we're going to do.
07:45 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
07:46 Oh my god.
07:47 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
07:49 Let's do fast talk while you're doing that walk.
07:52 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
07:53 [LAUGHTER]
07:56 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
07:59 [LAUGHTER]
08:01 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
08:03 You can just go anywhere.
08:05 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
08:06 [LAUGHTER]
08:11 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
08:13 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
08:14 OK.
08:15 OK, and you're going to win, so that's sure.
08:17 We're going to do it together.
08:18 OK?
08:19 Let's do the fast talk while Michelle's doing the walk.
08:21 Game.
08:22 Snake walk, snake dance.
08:24 Snake walk.
08:25 World or universe?
08:26 Universe.
08:27 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
08:29 Miss--
08:31 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
08:32 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
08:33 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
08:34 Smart or beautiful?
08:36 Smart.
08:37 Talent or charisma?
08:39 That's hard.
08:40 Charisma.
08:41 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
08:42 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
08:43 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
08:44 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
08:45 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
08:46 Daring or caring?
08:49 Both.
08:50 Proud or loud?
08:51 Proud.
08:52 Red flag, rainbow flag?
08:54 Rainbow flag.
08:55 1 to 10, [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
08:58 Thank you, mom, 10.
08:59 1 to 10, [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
09:02 10.
09:03 Again, thank you, mom.
09:04 1 to 10, [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
09:06 10.
09:07 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
09:09 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
09:12 My long legged.
09:16 Overdressed or underdressed?
09:18 That was cute.
09:20 Overdressed.
09:22 Gown or pants?
09:23 Pants.
09:24 High heels or flats?
09:26 Flats.
09:27 Makeup or no makeup?
09:28 Makeup, no makeup.
09:29 No makeup.
09:30 Lights on or lights off?
09:33 Lights off.
09:34 Happiness or chocolate?
09:37 Happiness.
09:38 Best time for happiness?
09:40 In the dark.
09:41 Complete the sentence, I am Michelle D and--
09:45 I am Miss Universe 2023.
09:48 [CHEERING]
09:51 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
09:54 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
09:57 Tito boy, can we do it together?
09:59 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
10:01 At least it's contagious, Tito boy.
10:03 I know, I know.
10:04 You're so ready.
10:05 Thank you.
10:06 I appreciate the walk.
10:07 Thank you.
10:08 You're going to make it.
10:09 OK.
10:10 Michelle, [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
10:11 When you came out as a bisexual, did it do more harm or good
10:15 to you?
10:17 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
10:19 You know, that's really interesting.
10:22 And we're going to do a couple of Q&A.
10:28 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
10:29 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
10:30 Fast Talk with Boy Abunda.
10:32 [MUSIC PLAYING]
10:35 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
10:38 Miss Universe 2023, Michelle D.
10:42 Michelle, Beatrice came out as a panromantic
10:47 when she sumalis sa Miss Universe.
10:49 [NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]
10:52 You came out as a bisexual.
10:54 Will you be bringing this story to the Miss Universe?
10:58 Well, again, I am bringing my individuality there.
11:01 And that's my whole story.
11:03 It won't be the highlight because I don't believe that we should
11:06 be highlighted based on how we identify ourselves.
11:08 And there's so much more to my story that I'd love to share.
11:12 Again, I don't want my sexuality to be the highlight.
11:15 But I want my advocacy to shine the brightest
11:17 when I'm there in El Salvador.
11:19 Very good.
11:20 Thank you.
11:22 I thank you.
11:23 Yes, thank you.
11:25 OK, may mga bagong landmark changes na ginawa ang Miss Universe.
11:29 Pwede na ang girls--
11:31 Yes, yes.
11:32 --remember you.
11:33 I was just talking about that, Tito Boy.
11:36 Galing, galing.
11:37 You wanted to join because of the age limit,
11:39 only for you to find out that now you can be any age
11:42 and join trans women, mothers--
11:46 Married women, young moms.
11:48 Correct.
11:49 How is this-- I mean, your thoughts on this?
11:53 Well, honestly, I feel like it'll open doors to millions of women
11:57 who still feel like they have something to show the world.
12:00 It really opens an opportunity because we shouldn't just stick
12:03 to this one criteria because women nowadays,
12:06 they feel like they have a shelf life.
12:08 And putting an age limit actually promotes shelf life.
12:13 Because just because you don't meet a certain age
12:15 doesn't mean you don't have anything to offer.
12:17 And it's really a step towards a more inclusive world
12:20 where you're including everyone, despite your age,
12:23 despite your marital status, despite being a mother.
12:26 It's really opening that door.
12:28 And for me, I am trying to be as inclusive as possible as well
12:32 through my branding, through my actions,
12:34 through the way I walk through life.
12:36 And hopefully the Miss Universe organization sees that.
12:39 Michelle, but it is a contest. It is a pageant.
12:42 Does it level the playing field?
12:46 I think it challenges it because now you're not just looking
12:52 at women from ages 18 to 28, but you're also potentially,
12:57 I'm not sure if there are any older women.
13:00 I don't know who the potential candidates are next year,
13:03 but these will be women with so much more life experience.
13:06 That's what I'm saying.
13:07 So much more to bring to the table.
13:09 And I think it will just elevate the standards on who can carry
13:13 the Miss Universe brand the best and who can represent
13:16 what they believe in also.
13:18 Hypothetical. For example, you joined Miss Universe this year
13:22 and the qualifications were already open.
13:26 You have mothers, you have single mothers, you have trans women, etc.
13:30 The last two queens standing are Michelle D. and Milani Marquez.
13:37 Oh my gosh.
13:39 One of you will be the winner.
13:43 In your opinion, who will be the winner?
13:47 Hi mom, don't watch.
13:51 I'm just kidding. But you know what?
13:53 I really believe that Miss Universe is full of integrity.
13:56 So it was still based on the criterias of judging.
13:59 So of course, you have all of the criterias, beauty, brains, advocacy,
14:03 maybe I don't know what the judging criterias are.
14:07 But at the end of the day, I am the legacy of my mom.
14:12 And my mom does have a crown already.
14:14 So I am the legacy of my mom and if I win, I believe it's a win for her also
14:18 because it will showcase how empowered and strong-driven
14:22 her daughter is, the woman that she raised.
14:25 So if I was crowned Miss Universe, I believe that it would be a win for all of us.
14:29 And you know what? She wouldn't mind.
14:31 Because she already has a crown.
14:33 She wouldn't mind.
14:35 She would not.
14:37 But mom, you'll be crowned next year.
14:41 But if you saw Miss Melanie,
14:45 I mean, we know each other so well.
14:49 We've worked together a lot.
14:51 My God, Michelle.
14:53 She can still do it.
14:55 My God, I'm getting goosebumps right now.
14:57 Even as a model, I work backstage.
15:00 I work backstage for many years.
15:02 You know, I'm waiting for the opportunity whenever Melanie Marquesa comes on the stage.
15:07 Truly.
15:08 Powerful.
15:09 You know, if I could have the chance to go back in time and witness all of that firsthand,
15:14 I would give up anything to do that.
15:16 That's true.
15:17 She was born on stage.
15:19 On stage.
15:20 That's true.
15:21 Okay, now we come to the Q&A portion of the Miss Universe Beauty Pageant.
15:29 I'll sit down.
15:30 Yes.
15:31 The legendary Uncle Boy will sit down.
15:34 Okay, we have the first question.
15:37 Miss Philippines, why is it important to have more women leaders in society?
15:45 Essentially, I believe if we have more women leaders,
15:49 it'll be a reflection of a more diverse, inclusive, and empowered world.
15:54 You know, women have this innate quality of being empathetic, understanding, and compassionate.
15:59 And you know, the statistics will show only a third of the leaders around the world are women.
16:04 And with that representation, we can really amplify the voices of women,
16:09 make sure that all of the opportunities and the social issues, such as gender-based violence,
16:14 and the lack of women education around the world are addressed,
16:17 and that every woman feels that she has a seat at the table as well.
16:22 [applause]
16:27 You know, even if I were coaching you, I have nothing to add.
16:31 Everything's perfect.
16:33 Maybe you just thought, "Don't taper off at the end."
16:37 Okay.
16:38 Okay, always end strong.
16:40 Correct.
16:41 Because that's a powerful line.
16:42 Every woman in the world has a place on the table.
16:47 Thank you.
16:48 Thank you.
16:49 But every word in that answer matters.
16:54 Thank you.
16:55 Wonderful.
16:56 Let's go to the next question.
16:57 It's like my throat is drying up.
17:00 [laughter]
17:02 Okay, Miss Philippines.
17:04 It's already a bit dry.
17:05 Amidst the ongoing wars in some parts of the world, as a queen, what can you do?
17:12 Your time begins now.
17:15 Tita Boy, nobody wins at war.
17:18 There are only countries that should be safe spaces for their citizens.
17:22 Those are ruined.
17:23 Families are torn apart, and most especially the children.
17:27 They're exposed to so much fear and violence at such a young age
17:30 when they should be fostering a happy life and a happy childhood.
17:35 If I were Miss Universe, I would really use my platform to leverage
17:38 and promote inclusivity, to promote cooperation and understanding
17:44 for all of these leaders, especially conflicting nations,
17:47 to really work together because we should all live in a world that is peaceful,
17:52 that is united, and that is safe for everybody.
17:56 Thank you.
17:57 Thank you.
17:58 [applause]
17:59 Lovely.
18:00 You know, this question may have been asked because of what is happening in Israel,
18:07 the Gaza thing, Ukraine.
18:10 There's a big possibility.
18:12 Yes, I believe so.
18:14 You're ready.
18:15 Thank you.
18:16 You're ready.
18:17 [applause]
18:18 Michelle, before you leave, what would you like to say to the Filipino people?
18:25 To everyone, thank you so, so, so much for your support.
18:32 I've said this so many times, but I'm here because of all of you.
18:35 You made me see the potential that I had in myself,
18:39 and I really just hope to make you all proud.
18:42 The battle is coming.
18:44 Again, I'm putting 100% of myself into this journey
18:47 to make sure that all of you are proud.
18:50 So, once again, just continue to vote, continue to support the country that we all love,
18:55 and let's hope destiny is behind us on November 18 as well.
18:59 Thank you. Thank you so much.
19:00 I love you. I love you.
19:02 I really like when you talk about destiny.
19:05 Destiny, that's my hashtag.
19:07 Yeah, I like it.
19:09 Respect your destiny. Love your destiny.
19:12 Tito Boy, everything happens for a reason.
19:14 It's either a lesson or a blessing, and no matter what happens,
19:17 as long as I know I put in a good fight, then I'll wake up happy the next day.
19:22 You're ready. You're determined.
19:24 You are hungry, and you love this country.
19:29 You want that crown so badly, and you say it, and when you say it, it happens.
19:33 So, Pilipinas, nayitay kapuso. Maraming, maraming salamat.
19:38 I present to you Miss Universe of 2023, Michelle D.
19:44 Thank you.
19:47 Promise me that when you come home, you come to Fast Talk, and we do another conversation.
19:56 Just like I promised when you told me after that first interview.
20:00 Thank you.
20:01 No, thank you, Tito Boy.
20:02 Maraming, maraming salamat.
20:03 Nayitay kapuso, maraming salamat po sa inyong pagpapapasok po sa inyong mga tahanan at puso sa amin.
20:11 Thank you.
20:12 Araw-araw, maraming, maraming salamat.
20:14 Be kind. Make your Nana and Tare proud.
20:17 Hasag say thank you.
20:19 Suportahan po natin si Michelle.
20:21 I always say, just one isa lang, do one good thing a day, and make this world a better place.
20:27 And maybe that one good thing is that one vote for Michelle.
20:31 Correct.
20:32 Chris Jasler, thank you.
20:34 Boys of La Camela, the Baraka, I thank you.
20:36 Goodbye for now, and God bless.
20:38 (cheering)