Michelle Dee, nagbigay ng opinyon sa mainit na diskusyon tungkol sa mga "halfie"

• Michelle Dee weighed in on the online debate about mixed-race Filipinos or "halfies" dominating international competitions, saying success should not be based on ancestry alone
• On Fast Talk with Boy Abunda, Michelle said global success comes from Filipino identity, hard work, and fellow Filipinos’ support
• The actress and beauty queen also stressed that pride in representing the country matters more than ethnic background across fields such as pageantry, sports, and music
• The discussion gained momentum after controversial remarks by Brandon Espiritu sparked conversations about the representation of full-blooded Filipinos in international competitions

Kapuso actress and Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee has spoken out about the ongoing online discussion surrounding "halfies," or individuals of mixed Filipino and foreign heritage, and their visibility as representatives of the Philippines on the global stage.

During her guest appearance on Fast Talk with Boy Abunda on Tuesday, June 16, Michelle shared her perspective on the issue, stressing that international success should not be judged based solely on a person's ancestry. According to her, achievements earned abroad are rooted in one's Filipino identity and the support of fellow Filipinos rather than bloodline alone.

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“We've gotten so much success on the international stage by being Filipino. And we should always recognize that it's not just about who we are, it's also the people who are carrying us.”

The actress and beauty queen also underscored the importance of the Filipino people's support in helping local representatives thrive internationally. Drawing from her own experience as a third-generation Chinese-Filipino, Michelle said she has always felt embraced by the country. She emphasized that love for the Philippines and pride in representing it are far more important than ethnic background, adding that this principle applies not only to pageantry but also to other fields such as sports and music.

“What should be true is your pride for the country you're representing, and that's not just limited in pageantry, that's limited across the board whether it's Olympics, whether that's in music.”

Michelle went on to dismiss the idea that having mixed heritage is the key to achieving international success. Instead, she encouraged Filipinos to celebrate the values, pride, and commitment that representatives bring when carrying the country's name on the world stage.

“Some of the most celebrated halfies abroad still feel the support of being Filipino. I don't think it's right to claim that because of being halfie, doon lang nagkaka-success; I think it's just important for the Filipinos to know that it's not about what's in your blood, it's about what you're proud of, it's about who you're proud to be and the country you're representing.”

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The discussion on mixed-race representatives gained momentum online after Mister Supranational Philippines 2024 Brandon Espiritu made remarks that sparked controversy. His comments ignited debates on social media and prompted several public figures to weigh in on whether full-blooded Filipinos are being sidelined in international competitions.

Michelle Dee is a celebrated Filipino actress, model, and beauty queen who represented the Philippines on the global stage, placing in the Top 12 at Miss World 2019 and the Top 10 at Miss Universe 2023. Beyond her achievements in pageantry and entertainment, she is a psychology graduate and a dedicated, long-standing advocate for autism awareness and LGBTQ+ rights.

During the same interview, Michelle said she prefers to concentrate on her work and current projects rather than dwell on the controversy involving Rhian Ramos and Samantha Panlilio. The beauty queen noted that her close circle of friends remains unchanged despite the issue. She added that their friendship has stayed strong and unaffected by the situation.

In an interview on 24 Oras with Aubrey Carampel, Michelle shared that she would gladly represent the Philippines again in international pageants if the chance comes. She recently returned to local work after hosting Miss Grand International All Stars in Bangkok, Thailand. Michelle also praised fellow Pinay queens, particularly Gazini Ganados for her Top 5 finish.

Source: KAMI.com.gh