Melanie Marquez shares reaction to Michelle Dee’s coming out as bisexual

Melanie Marquez admits that, as a mother, she is the disciplinarian type.

But when it comes to her children’s choices, she has nothing but support and guidance for her kids — just like that time when her daughter, Michelle Dee, came out as bisexual.

On Friday’s “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda,” Melanie shared there wasn't much a reaction from her when the Miss Universe Philippines 2023 identified herself as bisexual.

“Wala naman, ano. Sa akin kasi, I always believe that where my children be happy, siyempre — alam naman nila ‘yung right and wrong. So, when it comes to their choices in life, I just let them know the consequences of what will happen,” the Miss International 1979 said.

“So, the rest will be your choices, ganun ang respeto kong binibigay sa mga anak ko. Hindi ako diktadora eh. Disciplinarian ako pero hindi ako diktadora so, kaya I get along with my children,” she said.

Aside from being the disciplinarian type, Melanie said that she is also a loving mom.

“I’m very strict when it comes to education kasi ‘yan lang ang pwedeng mana na maiiwan ko sa mga anak ko, ‘yung dunong, ‘yung katalinuhan, at tsaka ‘yung magandang values,” she said.

Melanie continued, “Values na dapat maging ano ka, down to earth, you know, you have to be kind to other people, give respect. If you respect yourself, of course, you want to be respected, then respect other people.”

Michelle first came out as bisexual this year when she graced a magazine’s cover and said that she grew up in a family filled with “empowered and strong” individuals, most especially her mom.

Michelle returned home to the Philippines on November 25 after competing in the Miss Universe pageant, where she placed in the Top 10. She won four special awards, including Best National Costume.

— Carby Basina/LA, GMA Integrated News