Michelle Dee ibabandera ang laban para sa ‘autism awareness’ sa Miss World 2019

MICHELLE DEE

IBABANDERA ng Kapuso actress-beauty queen na si Michelle Dee ang kanyang advocacy for autism awareness sa paglaban niya bilang representative ng Pilipinas sa Miss World 2019.

Kahit hindi pa nananalong Miss World Philippines 2019 si Michelle ay talagang passion na niya ang magsagawa at makilahok sa iba’t ibang autism awareness campaign kaya sa pagrampa niya sa 69th Miss World pageant, handa nang dalhin ng dalaga ang kanyang advocacy sa international level.

Kamakalawa, humarap si Michelle sa entertainment media para sa kanyang send-off conference na in-organize ng GMA at ng Miss World PH at dito nga niya inihayag na may dalawa siyang kapatid na na-diagnose ng autism.

“I have two autistic siblings — one older, one younger. I’ve seen firsthand the struggles that they went through, the lack of inclusivity that we have in the country, the lack of resources and laws that protect them, and it’s because of them that this has turned into a life-long mission for me,” lahad ni Michelle.

“It’s something I had to struggle with my whole life, just, for me, the type of acceptance and understanding to live with them,” aniya pa.

Aniya, sana’y mabigyan siya ng chance na magamit ang Miss World, “to further shed light and raise awareness about autism.”

Samantala, super touched naman si Michelle sa ibinigay sa kanyang send-off event ng Miss World Philippines Organization at ng GMA Artist Center, lalo ba nang makita niyang naroon din ang iba pang title holders sa Miss World PH.

Present sina Isabelle de Leon (Miss Multinational PHL 2019), Kelley Day (Miss Eco International PHL 2019), Glyssa Perez (Miss PHL Tourism 2019), Katrina Llegado (Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas 2019) at Mary Daena Resurreccion (Miss Eco Teen International PHL 2019).

“It fills my heart knowing that one country can come together to support one girl in a unified goal and that’s amazing…It’s a humbling experience,” pahayag ni Michelle sa naganap na “reunion” ng mga Miss World PH winners.

“Before meeting Michelle, I thought oh, Michelle Dee, the daughter of Melanie Marquez, she’s the cousin of Winwyn, and she’s also a model, but as I got to know her more, especially during the pageant and after the pageant, I really saw her dedication and I really saw her passion,” pahayag ni Glyssa.

“Even if we were in competition with each other, she’s one of the girls that will really not sabotage anyone or pull someone else down. She really tries to lift everybody up and i think that’s why we all came out really strong,” sabi naman ni Kelley, na nangakong pupunta talaga sa London para suportahan si Michelle.

Inamin ni Kelley na noong kasagsagan ng Miss World Philippines pageant, talagang hindi siya pinabayaan ni Michelle, “She really tries to lift everybody up and I think that’s why we all came out really strong.

Now, you’re about to compete internationally and that’s such a huge achievement. I’m really proud of you.”

Pupunta sa London, United Kingdom si Michelle sa Nov. 19 para sa pre-pageant activities ng 69th Miss World 2019. Mapapanood ang grand coronation night live via satellite sa GMA sa Dec. 14, 10 p.m.