Actress and former Miss International Melanie Marquez was unable to see her daughter Michelle Marquez Dee sashay on Miss Universe Philippines 2022 stage, but she made sure that the former would know that she’s one supportive mother.
In an interview with Manila Standard Entertainment during a press junker for LBP Partylist, in which she’s one of the nominees, Marquez shared a funny story about her being barred from entering the pageant venue.
“I was there, I made it on time. But the security was strict since I didn’t have my vaccination card. I didn’t have the card on my phone, too. So, even if I was there, I was not able to enter the venue because everyone must present their vaccination card,” the animated Marquez narrated.
“Alam nyo naman ang lola niyo, hindi na techie, malilimutin pa,” she added in jest.
But she admitted that despite not being able to watch her daughter win the Miss Universe Philippines Tourism 2022 title during the event where Pasay’s Celeste Cortesi emerged as the winner, she made sure that her daughter felt her support.
“I think all the winners were deserving. My daughter’s placement was good as well since it will allow her to promote the country in her own capacity. She’s suited to promote the country since she’s well-traveled and she’s been to many places that even I haven’t been to,” she stated.
Meanwhile, the veteran actress surprised her children, when she announced her electoral bid as the fourth nominee of Lingkod Bayanihan ng Pilipinas (LBP) party-list that champions peace and order, poverty alleviation, strong economy, and programs against graft and corruption.
“Even my brother Joey Marquez didn’t know about this,” she admitted.
“Bilang kasapi ng LBP, itutuloy ko ang mga advocacy ko para sa alternative education at pagtulong sa mga batang may cleft palate. We just all want to work with other people,” she said.
She also revealed her reason for dipping her toes into the political arena for the first time.
“I got convinced to be part of the group because they told me that I’ve been using my own many to help our countrymen. If given a chance to serve, we’ll be given more support to broaden our advocacy and help more people,” she ended.