Melanie Marquez says Michelle Dee surpassed her expectations in Miss Universe stint

Michelle Dee and Melanie Marquez were among the stars who graced “It’s Showtime” on Saturday as it made its grand debut on GMA Network’s main channel.

The mother-and-daughter duo were guests on the “EXpecially for You” segment, and they looked beautiful as usual.

During the segment, Melanie was asked about Michelle’s Miss Universe stint last year.

“Sa totoo lang, nilagpasan niya ‘yung expectation ko sa kaniya at tuwang-tuwa naman ako," Melanie said.

"Sabi ko sa anak ko, ‘Anak, para sa Filipinas. Kailangan meron kang markang iiwan sa amin lahat,’” she added.

When asked if she helped in Michelle’s training, she said, “Hinayaan ko siyang matuto nang sarili niya at kung sino man trainor niya. Basta ako, nagbibigay lang ng tips.”

Michelle agreed, saying her mom was always generous when it comes to giving advice.

“My mom always said, ‘Siyempre, ‘yung goal natin, ‘yung korona. Pero ‘yung pusuin mo talaga is to make Filipinos proud,’” she said.

True enough, Michelle won the Filipinos’ hearts even if she wasn’t able to win the crown.

She placed in the pageant’s Top 10 and won four special awards, including Best National Costume.

Following this, Michelle joined the GMA Telebabad action-series “Black Rider,” led by Kapuso Primetime Action Hero Ruru Madrid. —Carby Basina/JCB, GMA Integrated News