Michelle Dee Gifts Melanie Marquez a Replica of Her Stolen Miss International 1979 Crown

Michelle Dee just pulled off one of the sweetest surprises we’ve seen from a daughter—and a fellow beauty queen.

In a touching Instagram video, the Miss Universe Philippines 2023 titleholder revealed that she had gifted her mother, Melanie Marquez, a replica of her long-lost Miss International crown. The original, which Melanie won in 1979 at the age of just 15, was stolen years ago and never recovered.

The clip shows Michelle handing a red box to her mom while they sat in the car. Upon opening it, Melanie looked stunned. “Korona?! Korona ko? Paano mo nakuha? Ang ganda naman nito,” she said, visibly moved by the gift. The moment ended with a warm hug between the two, followed by Michelle carefully placing the crown on her mom’s head before they posed for a photo.

In the caption, Michelle explained that the crown was a long-overdue tribute: her mom’s original Miss International 1979 crown had been stolen and never returned. “So after careful planning with Sir V (@voltairetayag), I gave her something close enough… a replica with details I never even knew about,” she wrote. She affectionately called her mom her “reyna,” and added, “Every day is Mother’s Day and every day is your birthday! I love you.” 

The surprise was more than a sentimental keepsake—it was a nod to one of the Philippines’ most iconic pageant victories. Melanie Marquez made history as the youngest ever Miss International when she won the crown in 1979, bringing home the country’s third title at just 15. Her pageant legacy didn’t end there: she went on to earn accolades such as “Face of the 80s” in 1985, “Most Beautiful Miss International Winner” in 2000, and even placed in the Top 6 of Mrs. World 2005.

She also became a mentor to a new generation of Filipina beauty queens—including Miss World 1993 2nd Princess Ruffa Gutierrez, Miss Universe 1999 1st Runner-Up Miriam Quiambao, and of course, her daughter Michelle Dee.

Michelle has carried that legacy proudly. As Miss Universe Philippines 2023, she represented the country at Miss Universe and landed in the Top 10, bringing home multiple special awards and continuing the family’s pageant tradition in her own right.