On October 26, Miss Universe Philippines representative Michelle Dee described her Mom, former beauty queen Melanie Marquez, as a ‘super stage mom.’
At the media conference for her send-off to El Salvador, which LionhearTV covered, Dee revealed that her Mom is her greatest fan and critic.
“Very stage mom, naku, baka pa siya ‘yung maunang makipag-away pag hindi niya gusto ang kalabasan. My Mom, she is my biggest fan, but also my [biggest] critic. Ever since I was young, she was [already] molding me to have the proper mindset.
“And when I say molding me, it’s not just about drama, [she] never forced me to get into pageants, she never forced me get into showbusiness, but as a young girl.”
She also highlighted how Marquez used her platform as an influential woman to instill positive change.
“I saw how she used her platform to really give back, to really walk the talk, to really use her voice because we all know she’s already very iconic. She uses that influence to instill positive change, which is [amazing.] That’s why I was involved in charities at such a young age, and grabe [just] to answer your question, [super] stage Mom, super loving, super supportive. And I know whatever happens, she’ll be proud of me.”
She confirmed that her Mom and siblings would fly to El Salvador to support her bid for the Miss Universe crown.
“My Mom is going, my two siblings that are in the US as well. My sister Maxine and my brother, who actually just finished his mission, he’s a missionary in Chile for two years, and he learned–he knows how to speak Spanish fluently, ang galing niya talaga. And I’m blessed that they’ll be able to fly. As well as the Miss Universe Philippines Organization will also fly with me so that I won’t be flying alone as well.”
Marquez won the Miss International title in 1979 and became a prominent icon in the Philippines.
As for Dee, her pageant journey included her titles for Miss World Philippines 2019 and Miss Universe Philippines Tourism 2022.
Adding to her title is the Miss Universe Philippines 2023, making her the representative for the 72nd Miss Universe Pageant, held in El Salvador, Spain.
Among the personalities flying off to El Salvador to support the Philippines representative in Miss Universe 2023 are Harry Hartman, Dee’s best friend, and beauty queens Samantha Panlilio and Maureen Montagne. She also noted that Rhian Ramos and Sam Verzosa considered going to El Salvador.
Present at her send-off event were officials from Miss Universe Philippines Organization, Sparkle GMA Artist Center, and fellow beauty queens Miss Supranational 2023 1st Runner Up Pauline Amelinckx and Miss Universe PH 2023 1st Runner Up CJ Opiaza.
The voting for the semi-finals for Miss Universe 2023 starts this November 3, 2023, at 6 p.m.
To support Dee and her Miss Universe journey, fans and supporters may vote by clicking this link. For her Voice for Change video, Pinoy pageant fans can visit this link.
