Beauty queen Michelle Dee comes from a heritage of philanthropy
Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee not only possesses beauty, brains and personality, she stands as a modern exemplar of civic commitment deeply ingrained in our own family’s longstanding legacy of Confucian philanthropy.
Michelle’s ancestral roots trace back to pioneers who not only carved their names in the annals of Philippine history, but also etched a profound commitment to serving others.
Among these forebears was her paternal great-great-granduncle, Dy Han Kia, a 19th-century pioneer in the Philippine lumber industry, who excelled in entrepreneurship and philanthropy. Dy was the grandnephew and grandson of two Fujian province migrant traders in 18th-century Philippines. (Note: Our paternal surname “Li” is pronounced “Lee” in Mandarin, and pronounced as “Dee” or Dy” in Hokkien or the south Fujian province language).
Whatever we plan, whatever we do, we really aim to serve. We really aim to do whatever we can to make the Philippines better, whether through small or big endeavors.
Her main life mentor and late grandmother, Shanghai-born Regina Y. Dee, a distinguished graduate of New York University and Oberlin College, went on to found the Inner Peace Foundation in 1981. This Christian Bible-guided organization has been a beacon of solace and support, reflecting a commitment to spiritual and emotional well-being.
The late Dee K. Chiong, Michelle’s grandfather, held prominent positions as the vice president of the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII), chairman of China Bank, and chairman of the Philippine Chinese Charitable Association. His multifaceted contributions to business and philanthropy depict a life dedicated to societal betterment. Another granduncle, Dee Hong Lue, was also a civic leader as vice president of FFCCCII and other community organizations.
Dee C. Chuan, another illustrious granduncle, left an indelible mark as a pre-war activist tycoon, Philippine “Lumber King” and the visionary founder of China Bank in 1920. His role as a key Southeast Asian leader against Japanese militarism in World War II underscored the family’s commitment to resistance and justice. Dee was also the founder of two progressive pre-war Chinese-language newspapers — Fookien Times (closed in 1972 by martial law) and Chinese Commercial News (closed in 1972 by martial law and revived after the 1986 EDSA Revolution).
Our family’s sacrifices transcend generations, with granduncles Dy Hok Siu and Dy Hok Khe paying the ultimate price as World War II martyrs while still only in their 30s. They resisted the Japanese invaders, becoming symbols of courage and integrity.
Another granduncle, Marcelo Dee, Sr. (Dy Hok Ki), was a World War II resistance fighter with the guerrilla force called in Mandarin as Xue Gan Tuan and known in Hokkien as Hiat Kan Tuan (literally meaning “Dry Blood Force”).
Michelle’s uncle, Ambassador Howard Q. Dee, a 2018 Ramon Magsaysay Awardee, carries the torch of civic commitment through the Assisi Development Foundation and Asa Philippines Foundation. These organizations tirelessly work towards uplifting the lives of the poor and marginalized through social justice and peace-building initiatives. The award cited Ambassador Dee for “his quietly heroic half-century of service to the Filipino people, his abiding dedication to the pursuit of social justice and peace in achieving dignity and progress for the poor, and his being, by his deeds, a true servant of his faith and an exemplary citizen of his nation.”
In the same vein, her late uncle, social worker and philanthropist Lawrence Dy Ong, who died at age 44, dedicated his whole life to serving the Aetas indigenous tribal minority in Bataan, juvenile delinquents in Cebu, and Vietnamese refugees in Palawan. In 2014, he was posthumously given the Xavier School Most Outstanding Alumni Award alongside another awardee, PhilStar Media Group president Miguel Go Belmonte.
Acknowledging the family’s remarkable legacy, the FFCCCII honored Michelle Dee on Dec. 28, 2023. Dr. Cecilio K. Pedro, FFCCCII President, highlighted the family’s enduring tradition of public service.
“Philanthropy is deeply rooted in the Confucian tradition of Chinese culture. With a lineage steeped in civic causes, it is no wonder that Michelle, a unique beauty queen, possesses both a philanthropic heart and an idealistic commitment to her civic causes,” remarked Dr. Pedro.
FFCCCII vice president Jeffrey Ng said in his welcome speech: “In her role as Miss Universe Philippines, Ms. Dee has not only exemplified grace and poise but has also served as a commendable ambassador, representing our nation with distinction on the global stage.”
Ng added: “Beyond her achievements in the pageant world, we also acknowledge and honor Ms. Dee for her dedication to various civic advocacies. Her roles as a goodwill ambassador for the Autism Society Philippines and her recent appointment by the Department of Tourism as Tourism Ambassador of the Philippines highlight her commitment to making a positive impact. Additionally, we commend her entrepreneurial spirit, artistic talents, and the values she embodies.”
He continued: “Recognition awards serve as a powerful tool to inspire members of our community to strive for excellence and engage in public service, following the exemplary path set by Ms. Michelle Dee. In this spirit, we at FFCCCII also recognized the achievements of Asian Games gold medalist and Olympian EJ Uy Obiena last October. By acknowledging their exceptional talents and skills, we aim to motivate not only these remarkable individuals but also inspire our youth to shine in their respective fields.”
In her extemporaneous acceptance speech, Michelle quoted the line of Dr. Cecilio Pedro for FFCCCII charities and socio-economic advocacies: “Dugong Tsino, Pusong Pinoy” (Chinese blood, Filipino heart). She conveyed her family’s public service tradition, saying: “Whatever we plan, whatever we do, we really aim to serve. We really aim to do whatever we can to make the Philippines better, whether through small or big endeavors.”
Michelle’s advocacy extends beyond borders, aiming to create a positive impact globally. Her dedication to utilizing her platform as beauty queen and as a GMA 7 artist for meaningful change reflects a commitment deeply rooted in our family’s ethos of service and altruism.
In the mosaic of Michelle’s life, each stroke is painted with the vibrant colors of dedication, compassion and a profound desire to leave an indelible, positive mark on the world.