January 21, 2024 | 10:17am

MANILA, Philippines — Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee and fashion designer Mark Bumgarner are now the owners of a customized doll of the beauty queen wearing the now-iconic black gown designed by Bumgarner inspired by legendary tattoo artist Apo Whang-Od.

The dolls were a gift from Miss Universe Philippines Director of Communications Voltaire Tayag for both Dee and Bumgarner’s efforts in the most recent Miss Universe pageant, where Dee finished in the Top 10 and won a slew of special awards.

“It was important that Michelle and Mark would get their MMD Barbies at the same time, so as not to ruin the surprise,” Tayag said in an Instagram post. “I commissioned an MMD Barbie in her iconic MU Finals Gown. It turned out so fabulously.”

Tayag expressed gratitude to Cholo Doll Couture Philippines by Cholo Ayuyao and the team that created the MMD Barbies.

In his own Instagram post, Bumgarner called the Miss Universe journey “the experience of a lifetime” and the dress he designed will “be forever special and remembered.”

“And you dear Michelle will be forever my Miss Universe,” Bumgarner added. “A woman of substance, style, grace, and an unwavering spirit. A perfect representation of a modern Filipina… of a modern woman.”

Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua was crowned Miss Universe 2023 as Michelle took home the Spirit of Carnival Award, the Fan Vote award, was a gold winner in the Voice For Change competition and Best National Costume.

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