Aside from representing the Philippines in the biggest pageant in the world, Michelle Dee comes from a family of business tycoons who founded one of the country’s financial institutions.
The Philippines suffered from heartbreak after Michelle Dee’s journey to become the next Miss Universe was cut short. Arguably one of the most prepared Miss Universe Philippines to compete in the grand stage of pageantry—Filipino fans had high hopes for Dee to bag the crown. She may not have won the coveted title, but she won Best National Costume, Voice for Change, and Spirit of the Carnival awards. More importantly, Michelle won the hearts of her people. Her family, friends, and fellow Filipinos are proud of how she represented the Philippines.
Speaking of her family, the beauty queen is known as the daughter of former Miss International 1979 Melanie Marquez. However, her paternal lineage may is also noteworthy. China Bank, one of the leading banks in the Philippines, released a congratulatory message for the country bet. Unbeknownst to many, Dee, aside from being a beauty queen, comes from the family that founded the famous financial institution.
welcoming Gen. Chiang Kai-shek and his
wife, Soong Mei-ling/ Photo via China Bank 100 Years Of Trust: The China Bank Story
Influential and Affluent
Aside from being a beauty queen and an advocate for autism awareness, she also belongs to one of the most affluent Chinese families in the country. Moreover, her last name, Dee, is synonymous with China Bank, a powerhouse in the Philippines banking industry. It is her granduncle, Dee C. Chuan, who is the founder of the bank.
Aside from being a prominent name in the banking industry, he was named the “Lumber King” in the 1920s. Chuan ran the largest integrated logging and lumber conglomerate. Moreover, his leadership and influence are not confined to the field of business. Chuan was elected by his fellow Filipino Chinese to be the president of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce.
Her grandmother, Regina Dee, is a well-known socialite. She was born in Shanghai, China, and her father, Yu Hung Chun, served as the finance minister for Chiang Kai Shek. Regina married Dee K. Chiong, the late China Banking Corporation chairman, and Chuan’s younger brother. She is also the founder of the Inner Peace Foundation. Her foundation helped people to get in tune with their spirituality.
The Dee family has contributed to the social welfare of the Filipino-Chinese community. Her family has helped Chinese businessmen and women to establish their own businesses through financing. Moreover, their philanthropic activities have changed the lives of many. Michelle’s lineage shows that her philanthropic endeavors could possibly stem from her own family’s benevolent undertakings.
Banner photo via China Bank 100 Years Of Trust: The China Bank Story.
