Winwyn crowned Reina Hispanoamericana

MANILA, Philippines — The daughter of screen veterans Joey Marquez and Alma Moreno was crowned Reina Hispanoamericana 2017 in Sta. Cruz, Bolivia yesterday (Manila time).

Teresita Ssen “Winwyn” Marquez, first-time Philippine representative to the pageant, bested 26 other candidates in a competition that aims to promote Hispanic-American culture across the globe.

She succeeded Maria Camila Soleibe of Colombia.

Other winners in the contest were Maria Laís Berté of Brazil, first runner-up; María Victoria D’Ambrosio Díaz of Venezuela, second runner-up; Karla Maria Lopez Berumen of Mexico, third runner-up; and Katherine Añazgo Orozco of Bolivia, fourth runner-up.

Marquez’s victory came only hours after Karen Ibasco was crowned Miss Earth 2017 on Saturday night.

During the question-and-answer segment Marquez was asked how she would promote Hispanic-American culture despite language barriers.

She replied: “Language can be learned but the will and determination to contribute to the organization cannot. It has to come from the heart. 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 have instilled that. I am 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,” she said.

Marquez, 25, also the niece of former Miss International Melanie Marquez, likewise won several awards during the pre-pageant activities.

During the national costume contest, she represented Cebu wearing a golden warrior outfit fashioned by Edwin Uy who wrote on Facebook that he was inspired by the Pintados tribe of the province.

Marquez made it to the Top 3, although Panama’s Carolina Castillo got the Best Costume award.

Bolivian newspaper El Deber listed Marquez among the favorites in pre-pageant activity, according to ABS-CBN’s online report.

The Philippines, a former colony of Spain for over three centuries, is the first Asian country to compete in the pageant.

The Reina Hispanoamericana pageant is a competition that celebrates Hispanic heritage, culture and language. It started in 1991 known as Reina Sudamericana.

Marquez, from San Beda College, thanked her fellow candidates who helped translate Spanish questions to English during interviews.