Miss Universe PH Michelle Dee undergoes military reservist training

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 2) – Miss Universe Philippines Michelle Dee is working to add another title to her name by undergoing military reservist training.

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others,” the beauty queen said in an Instagram post on Sunday, citing a quote by Mahatma Gandhi.

“It’s always been a goal of mine to become a civilian reservist, which for me is one of the highest forms of love for your country! If you’re waiting for a sign - this is it,” Dee said.

The Philippine Air Force said Dee was given a Certificate of Attendance for attending some sessions of its Basic Citizen Military Training (BCMT).

"In spite of her busy schedule preparing for the Ms Universe Pageant, she has spared time to begin the BCMT, and hopefully, she will soon complete the training and earn her reservist rank," it said in a statement.

A basic citizen military training lasts 30 days. Aspiring reservists participate in field exercises, classroom instruction to develop skills to respond to war, invasion, natural disasters or calamities, and to assist in the operation and maintenance of government or private utilities.

Just six months ago, Dee was crowned Miss Universe Philippines, where she represented Makati City and bested 37 other candidates nationwide.

READ: Makati's Michelle Dee wins Miss Universe PH 2023

She will represent the country at Miss Universe 2023 in El Salvador on Nov. 18.