Michelle Dee is ready to conquer the ‘World’

FROM ADVOCACY TO GLAM TEAM

By Tessa Mauricio-Arriola

November 16, 2019

Smart and stunning, fresh-faced Miss World Philippines 2019 Michelle Dee had a very promising send off on Wednesday just before she leaves to compete for the grand title come December 14 in London.

Sitting down with The Manila Times Look Book before the 23-year-old beauty queen arrived, the pageant’s Philippine National Director and seasoned showbiz manager Arnold Vega­fria buoyantly shared he feels the exact same way about Dee’s chances of winning the crown just like he did when actress Megan Young bagged the first Miss World title for the country 2013.

“Parehong-pareho ang nara­ramdaman ko kay Michelle,” enthused Vegafria. “And I can back that up because since winning the crown [in the national competition], she has given her all in training for the pageant. From her impressive glam team she learned everything they taught her, and in expressing her advocacy, she is both articulate and sincere.”

The national director supportively acknowledged that Dee is under immense pressure all the same what with mom Melanie Marquez one of the country’s most iconic beauty queens since winning Miss International in 1979; and her cousin Miss World Philippines (MWP) 2017 Wynwyn Marquez subsequently crown the First Reina Hispanoamericana on the international stage.

The 23-year-old beauty queen’s coronation in September.

“Of course, there’s a lot of pressure living up to her family’ s legacy but I’m confident she will be a standout among this year’s contenders. Her Filipina looks, plus her experience as an actress and model are definitely a big plus, and I think her heart is in the right place when it comes to her personal advocacy. Let’s all hope she does her best.”

Certainly, the 23-year-old flag bearer knows what it will take to bring home the Miss World crown.

“I believe that pageantry — especially Miss World — has really changed through time. ‘Beauty With A Purpose’ is their motto, hence it’s not just about finding the prettiest among the group, but finding a girl that has the most to offer not only for her country but to the whole world as well. To gain that kind of platform means gaining a voice that’s heard and listened to,” she accurately deduced.

Jointly sent off by the MWP organization and her management GMA Artist Center, Dee disclosed the rigorous training schedule she’s been undergoing as part of her preparations for the 69th edition of the Miss World pageant at the ExCel Arena in London, England.

Dee with (from left) GMA Artist Center Assistant Vice President and Head for Talent Imaging and Marketing Simoun Ferrer, Miss World Philippines National Director Arnold Vegafria and Miss World Philippines General Manager Arnold Mercado.
Ensuring her winning looks are some of the country’s top authorities in fashion, beauty and pageantry.

Dee enumerated, “Francis Libiran is making my final gown and national costume; while countless designers have also contributed to my wardrobe for the pre-pageant activities like Renee Salud, Nono Palmos, Chris Nick, Jojo Bragais and many more. It’s humbling how an entire country comes together with a unified goal to support one girl as part of its quest for national pride.”

Bringing everything together under her beauty queen training is the Aces and Queens group, headed and established by Jonas Gaffud for 18 years before he moved on to focus on his personal advocacies in May this year. The rest of the team intact, hopes are high that what they did for the likes of 2015 Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach will also prove triumphant for Dee.

Asked how she feels about the overwhelming confidence of her mentors and fans as Miss World draws closer, Dee modestly replied, “I’ve always believed that if something is meant for you, it will be given to you in God’s perfect time. I’m very pleased that since winning the MWP coronation, international polls have been ranking me within the Top 10, so that’s definitely an added confidence booster. I trust my team and I believe we have a very good chance this year.”

As part of her Miss World journey, Dee also elaborated on her plans to make giant steps in advancing her autism advocacy.

“Currently, my focus is on autism awareness and the work I’ve been doing with Autism Society Philippines. We’ve been working together closely in making the Philippines an ‘autism-OK’ nation through various activities that highlight inclusivity, activities that give individuals on the spectrum a sense of purpose, and are also in communication with major brands and establishments that we will be working together with for a very special campaign.”

Far from over-confident in her bid, she humbly acknowledged she still needs to step up her social media performance.

“There is a Multimedia Fast Track Challenge where online voting comes in. There’s a large gap between me and some other countries so the Philippines really needs to step up in terms of voting through MobStar, which is the official app of Miss World,” she related while asking for the public’s support.

Set to leave for London on November 19, Dee will be accompanied by her family, handlers from MWP and GMA Network, a small circle of friends and her training team.

Meanwhile, The Miss World 2019 pageant will be telecast live via satellite on GMA Network on December 14, Saturday, 10:00 p.m.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2019/11/16/weekly/the-lookbook/michelle-dee-is-ready-to-conquer-the-world/656341/