Actress, dancer and TV personality Teresita “WinWyn” Marquez is no stranger to the pageant circuit.
Wyn, who is one of 35 candidates in this year’s Miss World Philippines pageant, previously won three special awards and finished in the Top 15 in Binibining Pilipinas 2015. Wyn joined Binibining Pilipinas on the same year Pia Wurtzbach won the title and, eventually, the Miss Universe crown.
In a media interview during the presentation of candidates for this year’s Miss World Philippines, Wyn talked about how Pia has been an inspiration to pageant hopefuls like herself. “Inspiration siya ng lahat ng girls. Siguro if there was a chance na makausap ko siya and ask her for advice, lalapitan ko na siya ngayon.”
It can be remembered that Pia joined Binibining Pilipinas thrice before she actually bagged the crown, and her story has served as a staunch reminder to pageant candidates to never back down from competing.
“She serves as an inspiration to us, lalo na because I lost the first time. And yun nga, you never give up on a dream. You try and if you give your best, talagang 100 percent, wala kang i-reregret,” Wyn shared.
Wyn returned to her television stints after joining Binibining Pilipinas, but now has her eyes on the Miss World Philippines crown. The statuesque morena beauty is dead set on winning the title, even if she does feel apprehension from time to time.
“You have to train your mind to be positive and you have to train your mind that you’re going to win. Actually, kinakabahan ako na sobrang excited. I have the chance to go back on stage and show everyone that I also deserve to win the crown. Yun naman ang aim ko. Pero siyempre kung ano ang ibigay ni Lord, kung anong ibigay ng judges, I would accept it of course,” she said.
If there is something in her that has improved, it would be her self-confidence.
She explains, “It was a challenge for me before to be positive everyday eh. I was attacked on social media. I was attacked because of my family. Alam mo yung, I joined just because I was part of a known family. Siguro ngayon I’m much stronger. And yung mindset ko is to win and just to focus there, and not to think about yung mga criticism na hindi constructive.
“Natutuhan ko yun sa sarili ko, to listen to constructive criticism, rather than those who just say stuff to break you.”
The 22-year-old daughter of Joey Marquez and Alma Moreno initially had mixed feelings about competing again, but was buoyed by the support of family, friends and her boyfriend, Kapuso star Mark Herras. It was Mark who convinced her to join Miss World Philippines.
Even her father, who initially disapproved of her desire to join beauty pageants, eventually gave in and offered his full support after she explained to him that competing in beauty pageants meant more than parading on stage in lavish gowns and skimpy swim attire.
“I explained to him that it’s not all about your physique, how you look like. It’s about voicing out something – ‘beauty with a purpose.’ And I think he realized that.”
“Coming from my dad who doesn’t like for me to join pageants, that’s something,” she said.
Aunt and former Miss International Melanie Marquez has been supportive of Wyn’s aspirations to follow her footsteps and win a beauty title from the start. The former beauty queen and model stands by her niece’s decision to compete in Miss World and promised to support her every step of the way.
Wyn recalls a previous conversation with her aunt. “Actually I was consulting her if I should join again. Isa lang yung sinabi niya sa akin. ‘Join if you want to, if your heart is set to win. Go and join.’”
Wyn has been constantly updating her Instagram with pageant updates with the hashtag #ForTheWyn, putting emphasis on her drive to win the crown.
A production of ALV Events International, the Miss World Philippines grand coronation night will take place on September 3, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. The event will be hosted by Iya Villania, KC Montero and Carla Abellana, with special guests Jay-R, Kris Lawrence and other surprise guests.
Aside from the country’s past Miss World Philippines titlists such as Gwendoline Ruais, Queenierich Rehman, Megan Young, Valerie Weigmann, Hillarie Parungao and Catriona Gray, this year’s pageant will also be highlighted by the presence of Miss World founder and CEO Julia Morley and her entourage.
They include reigning Miss World Stephanie del Valle, reigning Mr. World Rohit Khandelwal, Miss World Caribbean Yaritza Reyes, Miss World Asia Natasha Manuella, Miss World Americas Audra Mari, Miss World Europe Lenty Frans, Miss World Africa Evelyn Njambi, Miss World Oceania Madeline Cowe, and special guest of honor Chief Zwelivelile Mandelsizwe Mandela, the eldest grandson of former South Africa president Nelson Mandela.
