Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee is confident her successor Chelsea Manalo will make the Filipinos proud as she bids for the country’s 5th Ms Universe crown.

“I know she comes with a lot of armor, madami pasabog. I’m sure Filipinos will love it,” Dee said in an interview during a Christmas tree lighting event in Makati C City, Wednesday.

“It is Chelsea’s season! I’m hoping she brings home the crown,” she added.

According to Dee, the most important advice she gave Manalo in the final stretch of the pageant was to remember to enjoy the journey, to stay present and savor each moment, rather than focusing solely on the outcome.

“My best advice is while she is there, she should make the most out of the moment. Because this moment, it won’t come back. Hardest part is done, the preparation. For me kasi once you arrive, dapat ready na strategy mo. And that is what I relayed to her,”  she explained.

The coronation of the 73rd edition of Miss Universe will take place at the Arena CDMX in Mexico City on November 17.

Manalo aims to bring home the Philippines’ fifth Miss Universe crown, aspiring to join the prestigious ranks of past titleholders Catriona Gray, Pia Wurtzbach, Margie Moran, and Gloria Diaz.