While the Miss Universe Philippines coronation night was happening at the Mall of Asia Arena last Saturday, 1982 Binibining Pilipinas-Universe Maria Isabel Lopez was with daughter Mara Lopez watching "The Lion King" in Minskoff Theater in Broadway.
Maria Isabel came all the way from Los Angeles, California to meet up Mara and watch the play together in New York. "I love New York, the city that never sleeps," she exclaimed in her social media posts.
It was a little past theater preview when Maribel learned of the proclamation of Michelle Marquez Dee as 2023 Miss Universe Philippines. She was very excited about the news.
"I am happy for Michelle Dee. Going through life's struggles and emerging victorious makes a woman more beautiful," opined the 1982 Miss Philippines.
Michelle is a daughter of beauty queen-actress Melanie Marquez and action star Derek Dee, both Maribel's friends.
Meanwhile, the elder Lopez is set to appear in a short film titled "To Ken with Love" to be shot in the US with Mike Talplacido at the helm.
In the film that tackles queer issues about a gay anchor disowned by his dad, Maribel plays his mom Edna while Mara portrays an intern in the show.