After Gazini Ganados’ fall, the country pins its hopes on Michelle Dee at the 69th Miss World finals happening at the ExCeL London in London, UK to be telecast live at 10:20 tomorrow night on GMA-7.
Dee, the 24-year-old daughter of 1979 Miss International Melanie Marquez, is competing with over 120 delegates from around the world to succeed reigning Miss World Vanessa Ponce of Mexico and become only the second Filipina to win after Megan Young in 2013.
![It’s Michelle Dee’s turn to shine at Miss World 2019](http://manilastandard.net/panel/_files/image/New_Images/featured_image/2019/December/14/its_michelle_dee_turn_to_shine.jpg)
Dee just got a good chance after being named one of the Top 10 finalists in Head-to-Head Challenge which guaranteed a Top 40 placement for the Fil-Chinese beauty.
Dee will use a Francis Libiran-designed national costume, features butterfly sleeves, collar sun inspired by the sun in the Philippine flag, complemented by the designer’s signature Art Deco embroidery and intricate hand-made beadwork and pattern inspired by the 16th century Visayan warrior tattoo “Batek” which symbolizes bravery and victory.
Libiran has also designed Dee’s final evening gown with “Pearl of the Orient Seas” concept embellished with exquisite details.
Support Michelle by voting online through the @mobstar official app. Follow these simple steps below: Download and create a free @mobstar official account; Look me up and follow “Michelle Dee”; and swipe left and right to be able to like/vote.
![It’s Michelle Dee’s turn to shine at Miss World 2019](http://manilastandard.net/panel/_files/image/New_Images/featured_image/2019/December/14/its_michelle_dee_turn_to_shine1.jpg)
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General’s daughter vies for Miss Philippines Youth title
Sixteen-year-old Patricia Angela Cruz, who takes inspiration from her prominent parents, Police Brigadier General Gilberto DC Cruz, director of PRO13 (Caraga Region), and former actress and now Mayor of Pola, Oriental Mindoro, Jennifer “Ina Alegre’ Cruz, is one of the candidates of the Search for Mr. and Miss Philippines Youth 2020.
An 11th grade student of San Beda College, Patricia hopes to enter the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) and follow in the footsteps of his father, an exemplary and distinguished police official.
“My parents are my role models and I want to be like them. My mother who has come a long way from being an actress and my father who remains humble despite his many accomplishments. They advise me to be always confident,” said Patricia who admires Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray and follows her favorite South Korean boy band BTS.
Patricia advocates for the welfare and preservation of the Mangyan indigenous groups found on the island of Mindoro through outreach programs providing education and job opportunities to improve their standard of living.
On its 20th edition, the Search for Mr. and Miss Philippines Youth 2020, headed by Gerald Ortiz, founder and president, aims to contribute positive influence to the young generation; showcase their beauty, talents and skills; help the youth sector especially, the out of school youth; and produce young ambassadors of goodwill for charitable causes in poor and underprivileged areas around the country.
![It’s Michelle Dee’s turn to shine at Miss World 2019](http://manilastandard.net/panel/_files/image/New_Images/featured_image/2019/December/14/its_michelle_dee_turn_to_shine2.jpg)
The pageant discovered the likes of Ding Dong Dantes, Jolina Magdangal, Dimples Romana, and the late Rico Yan.
Miss Philippine Youth International 2019 Rikki Mae Dela Peña, one of Manila’s Best Dressed 2019, and Mister Philippine Youth International 2019 Angelo Basa will crown their successors during the finals night to be held in January.