Melanie Marquez Recalls the Dramatic Escape of Her Children
MELANIE MARQUEZ – Former beauty queen Melanie Marquez opened up about the heart-stopping moment when her children made their dramatic escape.
Melanie Marquez recently opened up about her struggles to maintain custody of her daughters, Maxine and Michelle Dee, during a heartfelt interview on “TicTALK with Aster Amoyo.” The actress and Miss International 1979 title-holder shared how she faced challenges from her ex-husband Derek Dee’s affluent family, particularly their influential Chinabank lineage.
According to Melanie, her relationship with Derek was strained when their daughters were still young. This prompted her to take drastic measures to ensure she could raise Maxine and Michelle herself. “Hindi ko kayang tapatan ang Chinabank [lineage] siyempre,” she admitted.
At the time, Maxine and Michelle were only six and three years old, respectively. Fearing she would lose custody, Melanie decided to flee the Philippines with her daughters. “I have to leave the country with my children. Tinakas ko, kaya nagkaroon ako ng kasong kidnapping,” she explained. “Sabi ko, paano ko kikidnapin ang sarili kong anak? I just want my children to grow up with me.”
Melanie recounted how she sought help from a friend who was the son of Mexico’s ambassador at the time. This friend provided her with a Mexican visa, allowing her and her daughters to enter the United States despite a hold-contest order in the Philippines. “Nasa Hong Kong ako, nalaman ko na lang na they will put a hold contempt order,” she revealed. “I asked a favor from my friend to give me a Mexican visa so I can get into the States.”
The ordeal took a toll on Melanie’s health, as the stress led to her developing typhoid. Despite these challenges, she shared that, over time, her relationship with Derek and his family improved. “Nagkaroon ako ng warrant of arrest na wala akong subpoena,” she said. “Everything ended well naman.”
Watch the video below (38:55 hit mark):
READ ALSO: Ruffa Gutierrez Recalls ‘Utang Na Loob’ To Melanie Marquez