Could Winwyn Marquez Be The First Mom Miss U?

Winwyn Marquez is all in as she officially joins the roster of Miss Universe Philippines 2025 candidates, representing Muntinlupa City.

The 32-year-old actress and mom of one is among the 69 candidates who will vie for the crown. The Reina Hispanoamericana 2017 was accompanied by her 3-year-old daughter, Luna Teresita Rayn, during a media event on February 8 in Mandaluyong, where she shared the reason why she returned to pageantry after eight years. 

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A post shared by Winwyn Marquez (@teresitassen)

"This is about inspiring the next generation and inspiring all women that we are meant to be seen, and we are meant to be celebrated," Winwyn said.

In an Instagram post, Winwyn also shared how she took a step back from her pageantry career to focus on motherhood, which she considers the "most beautiful role of her life."

She added, "I embraced it fully, but deep down, I still had my what-ifs. Who would’ve thought that this door would open again? For a mother, for a woman at this stage in life. But when it did, I felt it. I had to take it because I am more than ready—I am WHOLE."

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A post shared by Winwyn Marquez (@teresitassen)

Winwyn continued, saying joining the pageant was already a win for her. "But more than that, I’m here to show you what it truly means to be a Reina. To prove that dreams don’t have deadlines, that beauty isn’t just what you see, and that strength comes in many forms," she wrote. 

'Wyn The Universe'

Winwyn answered why she deserved to win during the February 8 event, "I've grown into someone who now embodies strength, compassion, and competence. I bring my unique experience to inspire other people and to prove that dreams don't have an expiration date. I want my daughter to see me as someone who chased after her dreams and never gave up."

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A post shared by For The Philippines by Oyelle (@forthephilippines)

She added, "Yes, this might be a risk for me, but it's scarier to live with the question of 'what if,' and that is why I am here."

"I also want people to understand that it's never too late to take a chance on yourself. That I don't just represent the crown, I represent the limitless potential of every individual," Winwyn concluded.

A Winwyn situation

Born Teresita Ssen Winwyn Lacsamana Marquez, Winwyn first joined Binibining Pilipinas 2015, where landing in the top 15. In 2017, she joined Miss World Philippines, where she won the title Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas. Her historic win gave her the moniker 'Latina Slayer.' Returning to the pageant scene again, she has the support of both her parents, actors Joey Marquez and Alma Moreno.

In an interview with Inquirer, Winwyn revealed that her dad didn't want her to compete ever since, but when she told him that she would try again, he told her that she should join to serve as an inspiration for others, and not just for fame. 

As for her mom, Winwyn said Alma was very excited. "She's more of, 'Are you ready? Do you need anything? What do you want?' Lahat, bilang isang mommy, 'di ba? She’s waiting for me to update her lagi,” she said. 

Meanwhile, Winwyn's cousin and Miss Universe Philippines 2023, Michelle Dee, was all out in supporting her. She said, "Winwyn is the epitome of a modern-day Filipina, and a modern-day Filipina mother as well. I'm so happy that you're here, that you're giving it your all."

Winwyn announced her pregnancy in December 2021 and gave birth in May 2022. She is engaged to Rayn, her childhood sweetheart and first love. She has been vocal about her postpartum struggles on social media.

Mothers in Miss U

In 2022, the Miss Universe Organization announced that it will allow candidates who are mothers, divorcees, and married women to join the coveted pageant. Previously, the pageant only allowed single women ages 18 to 28 to join.

In 2023, Miss Universe Colombia Camila Avella, a mom of one, made it to the top 5. Last year, 13 out of the 127 candidates were mothers. 

In the Philippines, Miss Universe Paranaque 2023 Clare Dacanay was the first applicant who is a mother. Among the mom candidates in 2024 was Miss Universe Quirino Stephanie Gerona, who has three children.

The winner of Miss Universe Philippines will represent the country in the 74th Miss Universe competition on November 21 in Bangkok, Thailand.

Good luck, Mama Winwyn! Show them what moms are made of!

Take a peek at Winwyn's unfiltered mom life here.