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MANILA, Philippines – Teresita Ssen “Winwyn” Marquez made history on Saturday, November 4 (Sunday, November 5 in Manila), when she was crowned as the first Asian and Filipina Reina Hispanoamericana in Sta Cruz, Bolivia. (WATCH: Reina Hispanoamericana 2017 Winwyn Marquez’s full Q and A)
But the road to the crown for Wyn has been a long and bumpy one. Just like her fellow beauty queen Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, she did not give up despite the criticism thrown at her.
Let’s take a look at her journey, in photos.
Binibining Pilipinas 2015: Top 15 finalists
Wyn first tried her luck as one of the candidates of Bb Pilipinas 2015. She was among the favorites to win a crown that year, but finished only as part of the Top 15. Pia Wurtzbach took home the Miss Universe Philippines title and eventually, the Miss Universe crown. (READ: Winwyn Marquez on Bb Pilipinas loss: I’m happy even with no crown)
Miss World Philippines 2017: Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas 2017
After two years, Wyn decided to try her luck again. Instead of joining Bb Pilipinas, she decided to join Miss World Philippines. The organization had reformatted itself and aside from the Miss World Philippines crown, 3 more crowns were at stake. Wyn went on to win the title of Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas, becoming the Philippines’ first-ever representative to the pageant in Bolivia.
Prior to winning Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas, Wyn told reporters during the media presentation in August that she consulted her aunt, Miss International 1979 Melanie Marquez, about joining a pageant again. Melanie advised her to go for it if she really wanted to.
Wyn’s boyfriend, actor Mark Herras, also encouraged her to give it another shot. (READ: Winwyn Marquez’s family, Mark Herras support her bid for Miss World PH)
“I was actually scared to join. I was scared of losing, scared of all things that would happen,” Wyn said.
“But sabi niya, ‘If you’re not going to join and you’re going to regret it in the long run, ikaw din ang malulungkot.’ Wala naman daw mawawala sa akin kung matalo, manalo. Kung ginawa ko, wala akong regret.”
(But he said, “If you’re not going to join and you’re going to regret it in the long run, you’ll be sad about it.” He told me I wouldn’t lose anything if I won or lost. If I do it, at least I have no regrets.)
But even before Wyn could compete in Reina Hispanoamericana, a pageant dominated by Latinas, many felt she would not win because she does not speak Spanish. Some fans also criticized Miss World Philippines for sending Wyn to a “minor” pageant, saying she has what it takes to join other competitions. But Wyn just shrugged them off. (READ: Winwyn Marquez seeks PH’s first Reina Hispanoamericana crown)
“I don’t think that they (the bashers) will keep quiet because they have their own opinions and I respect that. But I also just had to speak up for myself because I don’t want them to [have unrealistic expectations]. So I just said straight that I won’t speak Spanish, I won’t answer in Spanish, but I’m willing to learn it and to say a few words and learn the greetings,” she said.
Reina Hispanoamericana 2017: The finish line
As the first representative of the Philippines to Reina Hispanoamericana, Wyn caught the attention of both pageant fans and critics.
During an appearance for a Bolivian television program, Wyn got the chance to show her dancing skills. She showcased a traditional Filipino number, and later changed into another costume for a Latin dance performance. (WATCH: Winwyn Marquez shows off dancing skills on Bolivian TV show)
A number of publications also featured Wyn, dubbing her La Reina de Asia.
She also earned a number of awards, including becoming a finalist for Best in National Costume and first runner-up for Miss Personality.
She also bonded with the other candidates, who she said made her feel welcome and helped her with the language barrier during events.
On coronation night in Bolivia, Wyn proved to the world why she was meant to become the first Reina Hispanoamericana from Asia. In the competition, she was asked: “How would you promote Hispanic-American culture with the great difficulty or barrier of language?”
Wyn said language can be learned but service must come naturally.
“Language can be learned, but the will and determination to contribute something to the organization cannot.
“It has to come from the heart and it has to be natural. I believe that kindness is a universal language – that if you treat people with tolerance, patience, and love, you will understand each other.
“The Hispanic culture is not about language only. It’s about love for God, love for country, love for history and culture, and love for family.
“As a Filipina with a unique heritage… I’m ready to promote the Hispanic culture, not just in Asia but in the whole world. It is time to celebrate the Hispanic culture. It is meant to be celebrated.”
Winwyn Marquez says kindness is a universal language during the Reina Hispanoamericana 2017 Q&A. pic.twitter.com/mLduVgcQui
— Rappler (@rapplerdotcom) November 5, 2017
And Winwyn was indeed a winner that night, when Maria Camila Soleibe of Colombia crowned her as Reina Hispanoamericana 2017.
Winwyn Marquez is Reina Hispanoamericana 2017! Congratulations! https://t.co/6j5fEzbjlZ pic.twitter.com/5O0YfaQ8Oo
— Rappler (@rapplerdotcom) November 5, 2017
A day after her win, Wyn posted on Instagram: “Hindi ako makapaniwala. Totoo ‘to diba? Maraming, maraming salamat.” (I can’t believe it. Is this real? Thank you so much.)
It was a long and difficult journey, but one that was worth it for Wyn. – Rappler.com
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