Voice for Change

 Philippines inches closer to, and claims top spot in Miss Universe fan vote

By Earl D.C. Bracamonte

The Bayanihan spirit is truly alive! When Filipino fans called out to Pinoy supporters to vote simultaneously for Michelle Marquez Dee by 6 pm last Friday on the Miss Universe site, they actually did! One pageant observer noted that Pinoys are the best pageant fans for nothing.

Thus, in the ongoing #VoiceForChange contest of the Miss Universe 2023, via an online poll, the Top 10 voting leaders showed Michelle Marquez Dee coming close to top, and eventually gaining the top spot, after bouts with other heavily voted candidates of Nicaragua and Ukraine.

The other delegates in the leaderboard, in random order, includes:

- Maya Aboul Hosn, Lebanon

- Jordanne Levy, Jamaica

- Aishah Akorede, Ireland

- Maria Brechanne, Brazil

- Mariana Downing, Dominican Republic

- Celeste Viel, Chile

- Endi Demneri, Albania

- Anntonia Porsild, Thailand

- Diane Leyre, France 

Some prior topnotchers have remained in the leaderboard, but a few new names have crept into the charts. Interestingly, the vote-rich Asian countries have not yet fared in the list. Perhaps, they're saving the best for last!

During the preliminary competition on November 15th, ten Silver Finalists will be announced; while on coronation night on November 18, three Gold winners together with the Voice for Change fan vote winner will be announced.

The Miss Universe 2023 finale will unfold on November 18th from the National Gymnasium of San Salvador in El Salvador. Stay tuned!