MUPH prepares ‘grand salubong’ for Michelle Dee
MANILA, Philippines — Following Michelle Dee’s Top 10 placement at Miss Universe 2023, her dad, Derek Dee, looked back on the moment he felt his daughter would follow in the footsteps of her mom, former Miss International Melanie Marquez.
“Michelle was pretty even when she was a kid. When she joined BENCH, she started really blooming. I told myself she had the potential to be a beauty queen,” he exclusively told The STAR.
The former action star and movie producer shared his most favorite memory of his daughter.
“My most memorable memory of Michelle was when she was in college. She got admitted to De La Salle Taft but that was during her happy-go-lucky days. She was not really into studying,” he said.
“One day, her dean called me and Melanie into her office with Michelle, and told us that they have a point system and that Michelle was just a few points away from getting kicked out of school. So the dean suggested that Michelle would be able to pass first year but she would have to leave because she said it would be impossible for her to maintain her points because she was only first year and was just a few points away from getting kicked out.
“But Michelle approached me and said not to worry, she’d put her effort into finishing the years. And true to her word, she graduated from De la Salle (with a Psychology degree),” he added.
Derek also shared another fun fact about the 28-year-old Kapuso actress-model. On the airforce reservist’s love for adventure and action, he said, “She is aware of my action films and bikes, but I think she got the adventure for bikes and fast cars from her elder brother, Manolito, the son of Lito Lapid.
“He is really into fast cars and bikes and for a while, Melanie, was thinking of joining the two of them and touring the Philippines. Good thing she changed her mind,” he quipped.
Derek had earlier expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of love and support that his daughter received from Filipino pageant fans.
“I have been in touch with her before and after (the pageant). Just wished her the best before the competition and after, I told her that God has bigger plans for her,” he said.
“And in closing, I repeated a phrase her grandma, Regina Dee, used to say: I can’t wait to see the good that will come out of this.”
It’s been a noteworthy stint for Michelle despite not advancing to the Top 5 finalists.
Earlier, she reacted to the apology issued by Miss Universe El Salvador over an Instagram post that mistakenly included Michelle in the Top 5 of the pageant. The post was immediately taken down and replaced by a graphic that showed Thailand’s Anntonia Porsild.
Anntonia went on to place first runner-up to Sheynnis Palacios, the first Miss Nicaragua to win the Miss Universe title.
Miss Universe El Salvador said: “This was a simple error of moving too fast — we heard the same results live at the same time that you all did, no special access over here! We’re sorry to both finalists.”
Michelle said, “There should be no room for error but the reality is that we live in an imperfect world.
“My request is not just to be respectful to the delegates but to the supporters that are so passionate about this platform as well.
“But again, EVERYTHING happens for a reason and it’s just a matter of seeing it as a lesson or a blessing. So always act with love, kindness, and respect. All love.
“My thoughts on the viral post earlier today.”
The Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) has announced that it is holding a “grand salubong (welcome)” on Michelle’s homecoming that’s happening tonight, Nov. 25, 6:55 p.m. at NAIA Terminal 1.
“Show your love and support for Michelle by giving her the welcome she deserves after making the nation proud with her much-applauded performance and Top 10 placement at the 72nd Miss Universe competition,” the MUPH said.
- Latest
- Trending
Exclusive
