Winwyn Marquez to represent Muntinlupa in MUPh 2025, says she was inspired by daughter
Winwyn Marquez is back to win the crown.
Miss Universe Philippines - Muntinlupa officially named her as their representative to the national pageant in a sashing and media launch held on Feb. 8. During the press conference, Winwyn was asked what made her want to dip her toes into pageantry again representing the Philippines at the Reina Hispanoamericana 2017.
"I'm someone who really takes on opportunities especially when it feels right, and this moment is right for me. Kung na-feel ko na tamang panahon para sa'kin, gagawin ko," she said as she thanked the organization for opening the pageant to all women including mothers.
"Kaya hindi na ako nagdalawang isip, sabi ko, 'Yes, gawin na natin ito dahil kailan pa ba ako magkakaroon ng ganitong klaseng opportunity ulit?'" she added.
She said that her daughter, Luna Teresita Rayn, born in 2022, was the one who truly inspired her to compete for Miss Universe.
"Everytime I see her, I see so much possibilities, I see so much positivity in life that everything can happen. And I want my daughter to see me as she grows up as someone who never gave up on a dream, and that's why when this opportunity came, I grabbed it. That's why I know I'm going to do my best every step of the way," the new mom said.
When asked about whether she imagined herself returning to pageantry after she became a mother, Winwyn admitted that she had doubts about whether she could compete again.
"I've always had that thought, 'Sali ba kaya ako ulit?' Ever since 2015. Pero parang hindi siya dumarating, I wasn't a 110% lagi so hindi ko siya natutuloy. So I said I think I'll do the ultimate dream already of mine to become a mother and have my own family," she shared.
She continued, "So akala ko hindi na, but the following year, I gave birth. Miss Universe organization opened its doors to all women, to mothers like me as well, and I took it as a sign, na baka sabi ni Lord, 'Gawin mo muna 'yung pinakagusto mong bagay para maging buo ka tapos bibigyan kita ng door ng opportunity para magawa mo 'yung talagang gusto mo mo pang gawin.' Kaya ito ako ngayon, isang mommy, isang nanay na lalaban sa Miss Universe Philippines."
Winwyn shared that she has been training for three months now, highlighting that it hasn't been easy due to how pageantry is no longer the same as it used to be in her time.
Nevertheless, when asked why she should be the next Miss Universe Philippines, Winwyn confidently answered, "I've grown into someone who now embodies strength, compassion, and competence. And I bring my unique experience to inspire other people and to prove that dreams do not have an expiration date."
"Yes, this might be a risk for me, but it's scarier to live with the question of 'What if?' That is why I am here. I also want people to understand that it is never too late to take a chance on yourself, that I do not just represent the crown, I represent the limitless potential of every individual.
Winwyn first joined the pageant scene as a contestant in the 2015 Binibining Pilipinas pageant, where she landed in the Top 15 and won the Best National Costume, Miss Talent, and She's So JAG awards.
In 2017, she joined Miss World Philippines, where she won the title Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas. The actress-beauty queen was the first Filipina to join and win the said international pageant. During the competition, she earned the nickname "Latina Slayer" due to her impressive performance in a pageant with a significant number of Hispanic delegates from across the country.
