Michelle Dee on advice to Chelsea Manalo, post-Miss Universe career

June 19 ------ The moment Michelle Dee crowned Chelsea Manalo as her Miss Universe Philippines successor, she didn’t stop showing her support to the Bulacan native while keeping herself busy in her post-pageantry career. 

Dee, who was breathtaking in a black-and-white Mark Bumgarner gown at the MEGA Ball last June 12, was all smiles as she praised Manalo’s personality and inner beauty in a chance interview with reporters. “I really love Chelsea. I really love her personality. I think we crowned a genuine-hearted queen. Of course, we’ve been talking since she won. I told her if she needed any advice, I’m always here,” she said. Dee said she’s excited about Manalo’s Miss Universe journey while adding that she will always be present for the Bulacan native “every step of the way.” “It’s going to be such an amazing journey for her. It’s an amazing time to be Miss Universe Philippines, and it has such an amazing platform. I will be guiding her every step of the way she needs it. She’s in very good hands. I trust that [the Philippines] will be okay,” she said. 

Dee shared that she had given a lot of queenly advice to Manalo since her win, but her greatest advice to the latter is to “own [her] story and know [her] purpose.” “Own your story, know your purpose, and how we can impact everybody’s lives. That’s what [instilled] in me. That’s what kept me going,” she said. “Even if you don’t bring home the crown, as long as you achieve your purpose, that’s what’s important. That was my [goal] for the Philippines. For me, you’ll still come home feeling like a winner.” 

Source: inquirer.net