Winwyn Marquez Joins Miss Universe Philippines 2025
A decade after joining her first pageant, actress, mom, and beauty queen Winwyn Marquez returns as Muntinlupa’s representative in Miss Universe Philippines
Eight years after winning Reina Hispanoamericana in Bolivia, actress Winwyn Marquez was officially announced as Muntinlupa’s representative to the Miss Universe Philippines 2025 competition at a press conference and sashing ceremony on Saturday, February 8.
Clad in a red gown, Winwyn was crowned by the Miss Universe Philippines Muntinlupa franchise team led by its director, businesswoman Anna Magkawas. This marks Winwyn’s return to the pageant scene, a decade after competing in Binibining Pilipinas.
Photo from Miss Universe Philippines Muntinlupa Facebook
During a Q and A with the press, Winwyn answered questions from joining again to tips from her cousin, Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee.
Joining Miss Universe
When the Miss Universe Organization announced that they would be allowing mothers to join, Winwyn took it as a sign.
“This moment is right for me. Kung feel ko na tama pa naman para sa akin, kukunin ko,” she said.
She expressed her gratitude to the Muntinlupa team and the Miss Universe Organization for opening the opportunity to all women, especially mothers.
She admitted that a part of her wondered if she would be able to join pageants again when she became a mom.
“ When I decided to become a mother, sabi ko, baka hindi na ako makasali. I always had that thought of sali pa kaya ako uli ever since 2015,” she recalled.
“Baka sabi ni Lord, gawin mo muna yung gusto mong bagay para maging buo ka. Tapos bibigyan kita ng door, ng opportunity na gusto mong gawin ulit.”
Luna as her motivation to compete
Coming from a family that includes her aunt, Miss International 1979 Melanie Marquez, and Michelle, Winwyn cites her daughter, Luna, as her motivation to compete again.
“Every time I see her, I see so many possibilities, see so much positivity in life. Everything can happen,” she beamed.
“And I want my daughter to see me as she grows up as someone who never gave up on her dream. Again, when this opportunity came, I grabbed it. And that’s why I said I will do my best every step of the way.”
A different Winwyn in Miss Universe Philippines
Although she won the country’s first Reina Hispanoamericana title in 2017, learning has never stopped for Winwyn. She shared that she has been training for about three months for the competition. It’s different, she said when she joined Binibining Pilipinas and Miss World Philippines.
“ I think tough is an understatement. It hasn’t been easy. Iba na ang pageantry ngayon compared to before.So I educated myself to how it is now, especially with social media,” she said.
She is grateful to Michelle, who was present to lend support for the tips and the other queens she has met.
“I’ve been training because I want to give a performance that people will remember. And I’m ready to give that now.”
The joys and challenges of motherhood
With showbiz commitments and attending to Luna, Winwyn’s schedule is always packed. Asked how motherhood helped her now that she’s returning to the pageant scene, she mentioned that she has become selfless.
“The competition is not just about me. Before, iisipin ko sarili ko na I’m going to do this, I’m going to do that. Now, it’s not just about me, it’s about my daughter, it’s about my family. It’s about the advocacy I want people to see.”
“Motherhood is tough. But Miss Universe Philippines, Miss Universe Organization has given us a platform to share our stories. To share my experience. Kaya yung motherhood, nakita ‘nyo gaano ako katapang ngayon, kung gaano ako ka-ready. Because if you are beside someone whole, I don’t think you can defeat that.”
Michelle supports Winwyn
With Michelle’s reign still fresh in many’s eyes, Winwyn was asked what advice she got from her cousin now that she is competing again. She jokingly said that Michelle is a perfectionist.
“Siguro, tumatak talaga sa akin is if you really want to join and if it’s in your heart, do it, no matter the outcome,” she shared. “Kasi, pag nasa puso mo yung ginagawa mo, lalabas at lalabas at magreresonate iyon sa ibang tao. And iyon ang importante.”
More than winning, Winwyn said, trying matters to her. “ Because when you try, you will never have regrets in your life. And that’s what is important.”
Michelle, clad in a white top and black skirt, took to the stage to give her a message to Winwyn.
“Winwyn is not a hard woman to support,” Michelle told the audience present at the ceremony. She pointed out that Winwyn has a story to tell. “I know that you’ll take this journey by storm.”
For her, Winwyn is the epitome of the modern-day Filipina and mom. “ I know that you are going to shine. May destiny be in your favor. Whatever happens, I am so happy that you’re here, that you are giving it all, and that you will go far. The Universe deserves to hear Winwyn’s story.”
After making the announcement, Winwyn posted photos from the ceremony with the caption: “Hello, Philippines! Hello, Universe.”
Winwyn joins a growing list of familiar names who will compete for the crown. A date for the pageant has yet to be announced.
More stories of beauty queens
Steffy Gerona: Chasing Her Dreams Amidst Motherhood
Selena Antonio-Reyes Shares Lessons After Miss Universe PH Stint
Shamcey Supsup, Winwyn Marquez, and Francesca Taruc: Slaying as Queens and Moms
