Winwyn Marquez ends pageant journey after MUPH 2025 1st runner-up finish
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Winwyn Marquez. Image: Dennis Sulit via Instagram/@teresitassen
Winwyn Marquez confirmed that the recently concluded Miss Universe Philippines 2025, where she finished first runner-up, will be her final foray into pageantry.
Marquez made the confirmation during a brief interview shortly after the national tilt on Friday, May 2, as seen in a clip recorded by pageant vlogger @brianlovespageantry on TikTok.
“Thank you! I love you, guys. This is my last, so I love you, guys. This is my last, sure na ‘yun (I’m sure of it),” she said.
Despite not winning the Miss Universe Philippines title, Marquez is nonetheless happy for the opportunity to enter the pageant, saying being part of the national tilt in itself makes her a winner.
“I’m happy because sumali lang ako sa (by just joining in) Miss Universe Philippines, winner na ako (I’m already a winner). Who would’ve thought? Now, a mother is the first runner-up in Miss Universe Philippines. That’s a good feat already,” she said.
The beauty queen also reiterated on Instagram that being part of the national tilt was not about winning a crown. Instead, it is a reminder to fellow mothers to never stop dreaming.
“Everything about this journey was so unexpected… a beautiful surprise I never thought would be mine. 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 began.
“This was never just about a crown for me.. I’ve always hoped to show that becoming a mom doesn’t mean your dreams have to stop. It can be the beginning of something new, something even more meaningful,” she continued.
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Marquez said having the chance to “stand tall and speak [her] truth” throughout her journey is “already a victory.”
“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 said while thanking her loved ones and supporters.
Dubbed the “Latina slayer” by fans, Marquez is notable for winning the Philippines’ first Reina Hispanoamericana crown in 2017.
She also comes from a family of beauty queens, as she is related to Miss International 1979 Melanie Marquez and Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee.
Pageant veteran Ahtisa Manalo was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2025 after her third attempt at the title.
Aside from Marquez, also included in Manalo’s court are Chelsea Fernandez (Miss Cosmo Philippines 2025), Katrina Llegado (Miss Supranational Philippines 2026), Gabrielle Carballo (Miss Eco International Philippines 2026), and Yllana Marie Aduana (second runner-up).
