Michelle Dee goes for broke in Miss World tilt today

Michelle Dee

Michelle Dee has stepped out of her mom’s (former Miss International Melanie Marquez) shadow and is shining in her own light.

As of press time, the Kapuso stunner made the cut and was named one of Miss World’s Top 20.

Will Michelle put us Pinoys on top of the world again at the pageant to be aired live from London on GMA 7 at 10:20 p.m. today? Let’s all cheer for Michelle, notre belle (our beauty).Here’s my chat with Michelle:

Q: What’s the best and toughest part of being the daughter of Melanie Marquez?

A: The best part is having a mom who is super supportive of all my endeavors. The toughest part is the constant comparison because we are on the same career path. But I always see that as a positive thing and use it to shine by myself.

Q: What are you confident and nervous about as you compete in Miss World?

A: I’m confident that when I step on the Miss World stage, I will be at my best. I hope that’s enough. What I’m most nervous about is the fact that I’m taking my advocacy on the global stage and giving it global attention. I feel like there’s a lot at stake and that’s where much of the pressure lies. I just want to be able to relay the message with the best of my abilities, because I want what’s best for it.

Q: If Santa would ask, what’s the nicest and naughtiest thing you did this year, what would they be?

A: The nicest thing was when I went to Sagada for a medical mission and closed a campaign for my advocacy with Bench. The naughtiest thing I did was when I ate a whole chicken the day after I won Miss World Philippines. After all the dieting and stress, I just had to indulge myself.

Q: If you will be crowned Miss World, how do you intend to make a difference?

A: I’ve always wanted to gain a platform and get my voice heard. I don’t believe that change happens overnight. But it’s with proper influence and a unified effort that we can all make a change.

I just want to be a good example to show people that you don’t need to change anything about yourself to make a difference in the world. I’m surrounded by so many talented women here, people who just want to inspire and change the world in their own way. I want to be able to do that, as well.

If I’m crowned Miss World, I have a lot of good examples, predecessors and people guiding me. There’s going to be a lot of adjustment period, but ultimately, what I want to do is just make a positive mark in the world.