Melanie Marquez didn't know daughter Michelle Dee joined Miss World

Michelle Dee is really killing it in the Miss World pageant.

She just cracked the Top 40, and her charity, Autism Society of the Philippines, made it to the Final 20 of the pageant's Beauty With A Purpose project.

Of course, this is all to be expected from the daughter of a beauty queen, but did you know? Michelle's mom, former Miss International and now actress Melanie Marquez, didn't even know her daughter had joined the pageant?

"Actually sinorpresa siya ko eh. Hindi niya sinabi sa 'kin na sasali siya," Melanie told Unang Hirit on Thursday, referring to the Miss World Philippines competition Michelle won last September.

"It was the father who told me about it," she added.

Melanie, however, said she understood what truly fueled her daughter to become a beauty queen.

"Well, I think na-realize ng anak ko na mas malaki 'yung kanyang passion goal na makatulong kung mas makikilala pa siya," said the actress.

"So I think na one of the best things na ginawa niya is to join a beauty contest since meron naman siyang mga qualities na kailangan natin na, nakikita naman na isang beauty queen talaga siya."

Michelle will be vying for the Miss World 2019 crown in London on December 14, Saturday at 10:00 p.m. (Manila time).

At this point in the competition, she has topped Missosology's second hot picks list to win.

According to Melanie: "Well, of course, as a mother you know I always think positive. I always think the best of my child na makukuha niya 'yung korona pero you know lahat tayo kasi may sarili tayong destiny eh.

"So whatever comes, may purpose lahat 'yan may reasons and i do believe that God blesses people with a kind heart. Ang anak ko, mabait talaga si Michelle eh, matulungin."

Nevertheless, Melanie encourages more supporters to cast their votes and continue supporting her whatever happens this Saturday.

"Nagpe-pray po, s'yempre, ako at I would like to thank everybody. Maraming maraming salamat po sa boto ninyo at sa dasal, kailanganan kailangan 'yan ng anak ko," she said. — Margaret Claire Layug/LA, GMA News