MISS World Philippines 2019 Michelle Dee is all set to represent the Philippines at 69th Miss World beauty pageant which will be held at ExCel Arena in London, United Kingdom on Dec. 14.
At a send off held at Nanka Restaurant in Quezon City last Nov. 13, Michelle said her mother, former Miss International Melanie Marquez, is part of her training team.
“She’s very hands on and I am grateful because sa dami ng inaasikaso ko ngayon, she’s always there for me. We talk a lot about preparations and she has many insights on my performances,” said Michelle.
She said that her mom wanted her to focus on the pasarela. “She always criticizes my walk. But she never took part in my question-and-answer training.”
Beyond that, Melanie advised her daughter to be true to herself all the time.
“My mom always believes that you have to be yourself. She never told me to be fake. I’ve said this in Miss World Philippines that she always emphasizes on being true to who you are,” she said.
Michelle added: “In terms of preparations naman, she has many things to say about my walk, about my talent, anything a mom would normally do. She normally sees what other people do not see. But she’s supporting everything she can to make everything in order, and she’s talking to countless designers for them to contribute to my set of wardrobes.”
Michelle said her mom and her family, including father Derek Dee and some of her Miss World Philippines sisters, would be cheering for her in London. “It’s going to be a big Team Philippines in Miss World.”
Michelle leaves for London on Nov. 19. (ROBERT R. REQUINTINA)
