When the country’s fiercest glamazons descended on Okada Manila’s Golden Ballroom for the Miss Grand Philippines 2025 press presentation, the pageant world was abuzz with one burning question: where was Michelle Marquez Dee? We confirmed that Miss Grand Philippines national director Arnold Vegafria had a very interesting pre-event chika with Michelle herself. Yes, our very own Miss Universe Philippines 2023. The hot tea was that Michelle was ready to join Miss Grand Philippines. According to insider whispers, ALV gave Michelle the nudge to join. And guess what? Michelle responded with keen interest. ALV is doing his work because MGI president Nawat Itsaragrisil is said to have his eye on MMD. The controversial Thai pageant luminary is reported to like MMD's business value and her social media following. Suppose there’s any hope for the Philippines to pull off a back-to-back Miss Grand International win after CJ Opiaza’s crowning. In that case, Michelle Dee appears to be the country’s golden ticket, judging from Nawat's favorable reaction.
So, where was MMD?
A royal scheduling snafu got in the way of her potential grand entrance. Sources indicate that Michelle was informed the press presentation would be held on July 2, not July 1. Meanwhile, she was booked and busy on July 1, shooting a commercial. Up until the evening, ALV’s team reportedly kept the door open—literally—giving her until midnight to make it. But no MMD in sight.
Adding to the drama, Michelle posted a cryptic (and kinda poetic) Instagram story on July 1: “Time and destiny didn’t align for me today… but I believe one day, it will. #TrustTheProcess.”
For now, the stage belongs to the 29 official candidates - including pageant veterans Emma Tiglao, Nikki Buenafe, Michelle Arceo, Shannon Tampon, Anita Gomez, Francesca McLelland, and others. But the possibility of a wildcard entry? Well, let’s say we’re not ruling anything out. After all, this is Miss Grand, and plot twists are part of the show!
