Kapuso actress Michelle Dee shared her thoughts on the halfies issue that’s been going around social media for the past couple of weeks. In an interview with King of Talk Boy Abunda on Fast Talk earlier this week, the former Miss Universe Philippines titleholder maintained that it's being a Filipino that left a mark on the global stage.
A halfie is an informal term used to describe anyone of mixed-race ancestry.
It was earlier this month when two male pageant contestants faced backlash over their halfies remark. A deleted comment made by Brandon Espiritu circulated on social media where he claimed that the Philippines wouldn’t fare well without halfies such like himself.
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“Tell that to all the front runners for the Philippines. This country wouldn’t have a chance on the national stage without us halflies,” Brandon previously shared in the now-deleted comment.
Michelle disagreed with the sentiments as she expressed how it’s the Filipino people who have shown their support towards their fellow countrymen that made it possible for the success that she has had in her career as a beauty queen.
“I really think that we’ve gotten so much success on the international stage by being Filipino. We should always recognize that it’s not just about who we are, it’s also the people that are carrying us. I always say na I wouldn’t be where I am if not for the support of the Filipino people,” she expressed.
The Kapuso actress added that there are other international acts who continue to boast of their Filipino roots and are proud of where they came from.
“Whether I’m full-blooded, whether there are halfies–– what should be true is your pride for the country that you’re representing… That’s not just limited to pageantry, that’s limited across the board–– whether it’s Olympics, whether that’s in music. Some of the most celebrated halfies abroad still feel the support of being Filipino,” she added.
For Michelle, being a halfie doesn’t guarantee success in the pageant world but rather how proud one is in being a Filipino–– whether full or mixed.
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“I don’t think it’s right to claim that because of being halfie, doon lang nagkakasuccess. I think it’s just as 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,” she ended.
Various pageant titleholders have spoken up about the issue and expressed their disappointment with the sentiments made by Brandon and Jether Palomo.