Melanie Marquez in El Salvador to support daughter Michelle Dee at Miss Universe 2023
MANILA, Philippines — Miss International 1979 Melanie Marquez has flown to El Salvador to support her daughter Michelle Dee in person as the latter competes at the 72nd edition of Miss Universe.
Michelle is one of over 80 contestants vying to succeed Filipino-American and reigning Miss Universe R'Bonney Gabriel; a win by Michelle would garner the Philippines' fifth-ever crown.
Melanie spoke with GMA's Cata Tibayan yesterday outside Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 prior to flying out to express her thoughts on Michelle's participation.
"Kinakabahan ako sobra! Nae-excite na 'di ko alam... parang ako 'yung sasali," Melani said. "Nung ako kandidata hindi ako kinabahan, pero this time... stage mother ata ako talaga!"
The former beauty queen reiterated her pride for Michelle, praising her daughter's hardwork, dedication, and focus.
Melanie added she was unable to tell Michelle what to do as the latter has her own pageantry style, "Just be relaxed and meditate through prayers."
"I just want her to know that it's not only me who loves her so much or her dad but a lot of people," Melanie ended, even packing several Philippine flags for fans to wave while in El Salvador.
Miss Universe 2023 will begin with the preliminary competition on November 15 (November 16, 8 a.m. in the Philippines) and the national costume competition on November 16 (November 17, 9 a.m. in the Philippines), before the main coronation event on November 18 (November 19, 9 a.m. in the Philippines). — Video from GMA Integrated News' YouTube channel
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