Handang–handana si Miss World Philippines 2019 Michelle Dee na i-represent ang Pilipinas sa 69th Miss World beauty pageant na gaganapin sa ExCel Arena sa London, United Kingdom sa Disyembre 14.

Sa press-send off na ginanap sa Nanka Restaurant sa Quezon City nitong Nobyembre 13, sinabi ni Michelle na ang kanyang inang si dating Miss International Melanie Marquez ay bahagi ng kanyanhg rigorous training para sa Miss World 2019 pageant.

“She’s very hands on and I am grateful because sa dami ng inaasikaso ko ngayon, she’s always there for me. We talk a lot about preparations and she has many insights on my performances,” ani Michelle.

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Sinabi niya na nais ng kanyang ina na magpokus siya sa pasarela. “She always criticizes my walk. But she never took part in my question-and-answer training.”

Pinayuhan din ni Melanie ang kanyang anak na maging totoo sa kanyang sarili.

“My mom always believes that you have to be yourself. She never told me to be fake. I’ve said this in Miss World Philippines that she always emphasizes on being true to who you are,” aniya.

Idinagdag ni Michelle: “In terms of preparations naman, she has many things to say about my walk, about my talent, anything a mom would normally do. She normally sees what other people do not see. But she’s supporting everything she can to make everything in order, and she’s talking to countless designers for them to contribute to my set of wardrobes.”

Hindi nakadalo si Melanie sa press send-off para sa kanyang anak dahil sa abala ito sa shooting schedule ng kanyang popular GMA 7 primetime teleserye na One of the Baes.

Ngunit sinabi ni Michelle na ang kanyang ina at ang pamilya nito, kasama ang ama niyang si Derek Dee at ilan sa kanyang Miss World Philippines sisters, ay susuporta sa kanya sa London. “It’s going to be a big Team Philippines in Miss World.” Aalis si Michelle patungong London sa Nov. 19.

Nang tanungin tungkol sa fast-track event na kanyang pagtutuunan, sinabi ni Michelle na: “Definitely sports. That’s one of the things I focused on Miss World because I think it’s my strongest advantage because I do sports all of my life. Winning the sports challenge will solidify me as being an athlete. Baka puwede na akong professional athlete after that.”

“Other than that, I also focus on top model because I have experienced that as well,” dagdag niya.

Sa pamamagitan ng Miss World pageant, sinabi ni Michelle na binabalak niyang makagawa ng malalaking hakbang para maisulong ang kanyang autism advocacy.

“Currently, my focus is on autism awareness and the work I’ve been doing with Autism Society of the Philippines. We’ve been working closely in making the Philippines an ‘autism-Ok’ nation through various activities,” aniya.

Isa sa early favorite para sa Miss World crown, batay sa forecasts ng iba’t ibang pageant websites, kinuha ni Michelle ang ilan sa stylemeisters ng bansa para siguraduhin ang kanyang winning looks.

“Francis Libiran is making my final gown and national costume. I am also grateful for the other designers who have contributed to my wardrobe for pre-pageant activities like Renee Salud, Nono Palmos, Chris Nick, Jojo Bragais and a lot more,” ani Michelle.

Sinabi ni Miss World Philippines national director Arnold Vegafria na taglay ni Michelle ang winning look para maging susunod na Miss World.

“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,” ani Vegafria.

Sa 69-taong kasaysayan ng Miss World, isang korona pa lamang ang naiuwi ng Pilipinas.

Ang actress-model na si Megan Lynne Young ang kinoronahan bilang unang Filipina Miss World sa Bali, Indonesia noong 2013.