MANILA, Philippines — The pageant walk of newly-crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee, which fans have coined as the "snake walk," is a subtle nod to the beauty queen's own mother Melanie Marquez.
Melanie is a beauty queen in her own right, having won Miss International back in 1979. Her daughter, Michelle, followed in her footsteps as she reached the Top 12 of Miss World 2019 and was Miss Universe Philippines Tourism 2022 before her new title this year.
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During the evening gown portion of the Miss Universe Philippines 2023 competition last May 13, Michelle wore a black one-strap, high-slit dress by Mark Bumgarner. The sleek gown won her a second Best in Evening Gown award.
The day after the event, Michelle's pageant coach of two years, Ian Mendajar, noted that the walk was inspired by Melanie's own "S Walk" from Miss International 1979.
"The 'S' walk after her second establishment is one of Melanie's signature walks during her modeling days while her final pose is inspired by her mom's supermodel poses," Ian said on Instagram.