Mimilanie Laurel Marquez, popularly known as Melanie, (born July 16, 1964) is a Filipina television and movie actress, producer, personality development coach, author, and celebrity endorser. She is a former beauty queen and supermodel, best remembered for winning the Miss International beauty pageant in Tokyo, Japan, for the year 1979, representing the Philippines.
Melanie was born and raised in Mabalacat, Pampanga, experiencing an impoverished childhood as an illegitimate daughter of renowned director, Artemio Marquez. To gain fame and fortune, Melanie joined the local beauty pageant at age 15, and won. Representing the Philippines, she competed and won in the 1979 Miss International Pageant. Thereafter, she pursued a career in fashion print, ramp, and commercial modelling, eventually gracing magazine covers locally and internationally. Soon, she emerged as one of the supermodels of the world, touring Europe and the United States, then returning home. She also joined the local showbiz, playing leading roles in action and dramatic films, including a title role in her own biopicture. Since then, she is very active as an actress, TV host, film producer, and most recently, as a celebrity endorser.
Aside from winning the Miss International 1979 crown, Melanie was also the Face of the 80s winner in New York in 1985, first runner-up in the Supermodel competition in 1986, and touted as the Most Glamorous Woman in Italy, also in 1986. In 2005, she again competed in the Mrs. World pageant, representing the Philippines.
For her modeling prowess, Melanie is a highly respected modeling and image enhancement coach. She is credited with having properly trained Ruffa Gutierrez, Miss World 1993 2nd Princess; Charlene Gonzales, Miss Universe 1994 finalist; and Miriam Quiambao, Miss Universe 1999 1st Runner-up. She has sat as a judge, coach, commentator, or host in many beauty pageants, modeling contests, and talent search competitions. She has made appearances in the Binibining Pilipinas World of BC 2004 pageant, and the Binibining Pilipinas World of Canada 2004 pageant. Recently, she has opened a modeling school for aspiring models, beauty pageant contestants, actors, and actresses.
In a recent poll, Melanie was voted as the Most Beautiful Miss International in 2000. In a TV magazine show entitled Ang Pinaka ("Top Picks"), she ranked No. 1 among the most admired beauty queens ever to grace the Philippine showbiz.
Melanie earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration (Cum Laude) from the International Academy of Management and Economics in November 2006. She also took business modules at Warnborough University in the United Kingdom.
Melanie is now married to Adam Lawyer, an Australian-based attorney and ranch owner. She has maintained cordial relations with her eldest son's father, Philippine Senator and former action superstar Lito Lapid. She has other children from different fathers.
Source: Wikepedia
