(Eagle News) — The Philippines’ first ever candidate in the Reina Hispanoamericana, young TV celebrity Teresita Ssen “Wynwyn” Marquez, won the 2017 pageant held in Bolivia Sunday morning.
“Wynwyn,” the daughter of Philippine celebrities Joey Marquez and Alma Morena, bested 26 other candidates in the pageant that celebrated Hispanic culture and heritage.
After her victory, Wynwyn thanked everyone and vowed to make the “Hispanic culture alive” as she tries to learn the Spanish language.
“Hola, hello everyone! I’m your new Reina Hispanoamericana, I am very happy and I promise, I will make the Hispanic culture alive. I will learn Spanish and it’s time, it’s time to bring back where I come from this is my roots and I’m very proud. I love you Filipinas, mabuhay! Te amo, Bolivia. Gracias!” she said in a post on the pageant’s official facebook page on Sunday.
Wynwyn also wowed the crowd with her answer during the pageant’s question and answer portion.
The question was: “How would you promote Hispanic Americana culture with language barriers?”
Her answer was this: “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.”
The other pageant winners are:
• Curazao – Virreina Hispanoamericana
• Brazil – 1st runner up
• Venezuela – 2nd runner up
• Mexico – 3rd runner up
• Bolivia – 4th runner up
Wynwyn Marquz was the first Filipina and the first Asian to join the pageant that promoted Hispanic culture and was thus also tagged “La Reina De Asia.”
The Philippine bet looked regal in an emerald green gown made for her by Ezra Santos.
On Saturday, the Philippines also bagged the Miss Earth crown 2017.
Karen Ibasco, a half-Filipino, half-Chinese university instructor from Manila, was crowned Miss Earth 2017 during the coronation night on Saturday, November 4 at the Mall of Asia Arena.