LIKE mother, like daughter.
Actress-model Michelle Dee, daughter of former beauty queen-turned-actress Melanie Marquez, will be the country’s representative to the 69th Miss World pageant which will be held in London on Dec. 14.
This after Dee and five othÂers were crowned at Miss World Philippines 2019 pageant at Smart Araneta Coliseum in QueÂzon City past midnight Monday.
Dee, 24, has been a crowd favorite to win the title since Day 1 of the competition. Her joining the beauty contest has been one of the most-awaited moments in Philippine pageantÂry among fans in two years.
Earlier reports said that the Psychology graduate of De La Salle University was expected to join the rival Bb. Pilipinas pageant but last-minute she decided to join Miss World PhilÂippines.
Started in 1951, Miss World is the longest-running beauty pageant in history.
Five more hopefuls, including two showbiz personalities, also triumphed at the same pageant.
Kapuso star modÂel Kelley Day won Miss Eco InterÂnational PhilipÂpines. She will represent the Philippines in the internaÂtional edition of the conÂtest in Cairo, Egypt.
Former FAÂMAS best child performer IsaÂbelle de Leon went home with the Miss Multinational Philipines title. She will go to New Delhi, India for the internationÂal competition.
Arnold Vegafria, national diÂrector of Miss World Philippines and Mister World Philippines, said De Leon topped the final question-and-answer segment of the pageant. “The judges were so impressed with her.”
Maria Katrina Llegado was crowned Reina HispanoameriÂcana Philippines whose competiÂtion abroad will be held in BolivÂia; Glyssa Perez, Miss Philippine Tourism; and Vanessa Mae WalÂters, a law student at Harvard University, Miss Eco Teen PhilipÂpines.
First Princess honors went to Shannon Christie Kerver; and Kristi Celyn Banks, Second PrinÂcess.
Dee collected the most numÂber of special awards such as Miss Blue Water Day Spa (tied with Banks), Miss Myra-E, Miss Best Skin by Cathy Valencia (tied with Day), Miss Bench, and Miss GCOX.
Other recipients of special awards were Michelle Thorlund, Miss CAD Smile; Walters, Best In Swimsuit; Llegado, Miss Photogenic, Best In Evening Gown, and Miss Cabelen, as awarded by its founder Maritel O. Nievera, also one of the judges; and Day, Miss Big Chill.
Rounding off the top 12 candidates who battled it out in the final question-and-answer portion were Thorlund, Kimberly HakÂenson, Michelle Kain, and Tracy Perez.
Some of 40 official candiÂdates have been assured of a spot in the semifinals when they won in fast-track categoÂries such as talent, multimedia, sports, beach beauty, GCOX top model, charity, and beauty with a purpose.
‘BE YOURSELF’
Moments before the show, Melanie said that she is very supportive of her daughter’s journey to the national pagÂeant.
“Be yourself and enjoy the competition. I’m giving my 100 percent to my daughter,” said the 1979 Miss International when asked about her final adÂvice to her daughter when she joined Miss World Philippines.
Melanie and some members of the family arrived at the Big Dome with a red suitcase conÂtaining hundreds of cheering paraphernalia for Dee.
“Ibought these stuff in DiviÂsoria. Please support my daughÂter,” said Melanie as she handÂed out whistles, placards, and lighted gadgets to members of the audience at VIP section of Smart Araneta Coliseum.
JUDGE ISKO MORENO
For the first time, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno became a judge at a national beauty pagÂeant since he was elected this year.
The crowd cheered when it was announced Moreno was chairÂman of the board of judges.
Moreno also helped crown the new Miss World Philippines at the end of the program. Earlier, the popular city official asked one of the candidates in the final question-and-answer round: “What will you give up for love?” to the delight of pagÂeant fanatics.
Other members of the board of judges include: San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora, former Senator Nikki Coseteng, acÂtors Sunshine Cruz and RayÂmond Bagatsing, Bryce Ramos, Roselle Monteverde of Regal Films, Jeffrey Lin, Nancy Go, among others.