Moms and Dads

Winwyn Marquez: Still A Winner In Everyone’s Hearts

by Alexa Villano
May 3, 2025

Winwyn won 1st runner-up in Miss Universe Philippines to Ahtisa Manalo

Ahtisa Manalo won the title of Miss Universe Philippines on Friday, May 2, her second try after last year. She will compete in the Miss Universe pageant in Thailand this November.

While the crown went to Ahtisa, it was also a night for another candidate, Winwyn Marquez, who became a trailblazer in her own right as the first mom to be in the Top 6.

Photo from Miss Universe Philippines

The Return To Pageantry

Joining a national pageant takes courage and grit, especially for someone like Winwyn — a seasoned beauty queen who once earned the title of Reina Hispanoamericana in 2017. But she admitted to facing the question: What if I tried again?

In a February interview, Winwyn admitted she wasn’t always sure the comeback was possible.

Winwyn during her photo shoot for Modern Parenting in 2023

“ 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.”

Her cousin, Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee, was a motivating force. But the decision was all Winwyn’s — a leap of faith that sent a clear message: motherhood doesn’t end dreams; it reshapes them.

Her daughter Luna was her biggest inspiration.

“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.”

Photo from teresitassen

A Force To Be Reckoned With

Though a frontrunner, Winwyn embraced her role as the ate — the big sister — among this year’s candidates. She was also one of four mothers competing, and she approached every shoot, appearance, and challenge with joy and professionalism.

In an era where every candidate has to have a “pasabog” to gain attention, Winwyn did her thing. She had the backing of different teams, including Michelle, who directed many of her shoots for social media content.

Her national costume paid homage to her roots, inspired by the 1992 film Aswang, starring her mother, actress Alma Moreno, the same year Winwyn was born. Alma also appeared in the video reel that accompanied the look, making it a deeply personal tribute.

Photo from Miss Universe Philippines

During the preliminaries, Winwyn stood out with her poise in the swimsuit and evening gown segments. But it was her closed-door interview that left a lasting impression. When asked why she should be the next Miss Universe Philippines, she responded:

During the preliminary competition, Winwyn showed she was a performer, dazzling everyone with her swimsuit and evening gown looks. Her closed-door interview made an impact, answering the question “Why Should You Be The Next Miss Universe Philippines?”

“The organization opened all its doors to women, including us mothers,” Winwyn said. “ And I felt that spark inside of me, and no matter who you are, whether you are a mother, a wife, or anybody who has big dreams, that is valid.”

“ Your dreams does not have to end when your life changes, it only evolves – and I think I am a testament of that. And I know that I am capable, I am not just an inclusive pick, I am strong, and I do think that the Universe is ready for a mother.”

Winwyn Is An Inspiration To Moms

On finals night, Winwyn reached the Top 6 — a powerful achievement on its own. When Ahtisa was crowned, Winwyn embraced her warmly. Moments later, she was named 1st runner-up — a strong affirmation from the judges that she belonged in the winner’s circle.

Photo from Miss Universe Philippines

Speaking to the press after the coronation, Winwyn shared her plans to focus on family. She had already celebrated her daughter’s birthday early, and with her birthday coming up, she had much to be thankful for.

“I’m happy that I joined. The opportunity like this won’t be given to us again. Pag nabigyan ng opportunity, grab it, no matter what happens, no regrets,” she told Dyan Castillejo.

Asked her message to those who feel that mothers shouldn’t join competitions like Miss Universe Philippines, Winwyn responded: “ I am 1st runner-up. So malay natin, baka yung next an sumali maging Miss Universe Philippines. I am a mom… we’re four moms, they gave their best, nag-sacrifice sila ng time to do this, and I think we should respect that.”

“At kung may sasaling magaling and pwedeng maging Miss Universe Philippines, why not?”

Winwyn’s Proud Journey

Just hours after the coronation, Winwyn shared her thoughts on Instagram — reflecting on a journey that, in her words, had been “a beautiful surprise.”

“ There were days I felt strong, and days when nerves and doubts hit me hard. And as a mom, people expect us to always be tough, but I’ve learned that it’s just as important to be kind to ourselves, too,” she wrote.

“I took the crown of courage, of standing tall and speaking my truth. showing that you can be both devoted and driven… that you can live boldly, love deeply, and chase your dreams no matter the season you’re in. That, for me, is already a victory.”

She ended her message by saying that she hoped she made everyone proud.

“Pilipinas, maraming maraming salamat and to the Universe.. Thank you for making this happen.”

Winwyn didn’t just return to the stage—she rewrote the script. In doing so, she crowned a truth many mothers already know: motherhood doesn’t close doors—it opens new ones.