Michelle Dee Gives Back Her Mother’s Lost Crown
MICHELLE DEE – Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee recently gave her mom Melanie Marquez a heartwarming surprise by presenting her with a replica of her long-lost Miss International 1979 crown.
Michelle Dee recently gave her mother, Melanie Marquez, a deeply sentimental gift—one that brought back a cherished memory from decades ago. Dee surprised the former beauty queen with a replica of her Miss International 1979 crown, which had been stolen and never recovered.
The heartwarming moment was shared by Dee on her Instagram page on Wednesday, July 30, where a video captured the surprise unfolding. Inside a car, Dee handed her mother a large red box. Upon opening it and discovering the crown replica, an emotional Marquez exclaimed, “This was my crown? How did you find it?” The former titleholder embraced her daughter in gratitude, then joyfully tried on the crown and posed for pictures beside Dee.
“Everyday is Mother’s Day and everyday is your birthday!” Dee lovingly wrote in the caption of her post.
In the same post, Dee recounted the significance of the crown. “Years ago, my mom’s original Miss International 1979 crown was stolen. She never got it back,” she revealed. “So after careful planning with Sir [Voltaire Tayag], I gave her something close enough.. a replica with details I never even knew about.”
The touching gesture was more than just a gift—it was a tribute to a mother’s legacy and influence. Calling her mom her “reyna” (queen), Dee concluded with a heartfelt “I love you.”
Known for her consistent expressions of admiration and gratitude for her mother, Dee has often spoken about how Marquez played a crucial role in shaping her character. She credits her mom for instilling strength, resilience, and the belief that she is “capable of greater things.”
The surprise not only honored a symbolic piece of pageant history but also highlighted the deep bond between a mother and daughter, two beauty queens, united not just by titles but by love, legacy, and mutual respect.
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