Queen Of Her World Michelle Dee

Beauty runs in Miss World Philippines 2019 Michelle Dee’s blood. In case you didn’t know, Michelle is the daughter Miss International 1979 Melanie Marquez and the cousin of Teresita Ssen “Winwyn” Marquez, who won the Reina Hispanoamericana crown in 2017.

- Patricia Calica

But while the lineage comes in handy—especially for all the training and tips she needs for the Miss World 2019 competition in London—Michelle stands on her own when it comes to beauty, talent, smarts, and purpose.

A week before she flew to London for the prestigious pageant, Michelle sat down with Speed to share her preparations for Miss World, how she plans to take on the pageant, and what her ultimate goal is in this journey.

How are you feeling now that the competition is near?

I feel very overwhelmed as the competition comes close. I feel nervous and I don’t know what to expect. But overall, [I’m] excited ‘cause it’s going to be held in a beautiful country and I’m going to be able to meet so many talented people. I’m excited to be immersing myself in the experience that I know is going to help me grow as an individual.

How have you been preparing for the pageant?

It varies from Pasarela or walks training, styling, question and answer, BWAP (Beauty with a Purpose) preparations, national costume, talent, everything. Ang Damitalagang preparations and it’s really just about making time for all of them because you have to come a hundred percent ready.

Would you say you’re almost prepared now for the competition?

I don’t believe that you can really gauge how prepared you can be because I don’t really know what to expect. I’ve gotten tips from former queens and I can say that I’m at my best so far as compared to how I was in Miss World Philippines. You can only really get better as you train for it. I can’t say I am at 100 percent but I can say I am the best version of myself.

What do you still need to work on before the competition?