Beauty queen Teresita Ssen “Winwyn” Marquez humbly accepts her 1st runner up finish in the recently concluded Miss Universe Philippines 2025 pageant, saying it “feels like a dream already.”
Representing Muntinlupa City, Winwyn said in a heartfelt Instagram post that the culmination of her MUPH journey was already a “victory” for her despite falling short to secure the coveted crown.
“I took the crown of courage... of standing tall and speaking my truth,” she captioned her post. “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.”
Although she was openly determined to get the crown, she emphasized that her purpose of joining was way beyond that.
“This was never just about a crown for me,” she said. “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.”
READ:Catriona Gray shares advice for new Miss Universe Philippines
In the post, the beauty queen also shared her greatest takeaway from the experience.
“There were days I felt strong, and days when nerves and doubts hit me hard,” she said. “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.”
Winwyn concluded her post with gratitude for the people who supported her journey in the said pageant.
“To everyone who supported me, believed in me, and stayed with me through this..Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” she said. “I hope I made you proud. Pilipinas, maraming maraming salamat and to the Universe. Thank you for making this happen,” she added.
Returning queen Athisa Manalo of Quezon Province was hailed as the winner and will represent the country in the upcoming Miss Universe pageant which will be held in November in Thailand.
READ:Ahtisa Manalo of Quezon Province wins Miss Universe PH 2025 crown
Sultan Kudarat's Chelsea Fernandez won Miss Cosmo, Taguig's Katrina Elegado got the Miss Supranational title, while Cebu City's Gabriella Carballo was proclaimed Miss Eco International. Siniloan Laguna's Yllana Marie Aduana finished 2nd runner-up.
READ:Katrina Llegado, Gabriella Carballo get Miss Supranational PH, Miss Eco International PH crowns
Coming from a family of beauty queens, Winwyn made her own mark in the world of pageantry after securing the Miss Reina Hispanoamericana crown in 2017.
Her MUPH 2025 stint was a major comeback after an eight-year hiatus, which delighted Filipino pageant fans.
Winwyn is the cousin of Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee and the niece of Miss International 1979 Melanie Marquez.