Winwyn Marquez wins Reina Hispanoamericana 2017

In the question-and-answer portion of the pageant, Marquez who doesn’t speak fluent Spanish, was asked, “How would you promote Hispanic-American culture with the great difficulty of the language barrier?” (Photo: Reina Hispanoamericana/Facebook)

MANILA, Philippines—It’s a back-to-back win for the Philippines as Winwyn Marquez on Sunday was crowned Reina Hispanoamericana 2017 in Sta. Cruz dela Sierra, Bolivia.

Teresita Ssen “Winwyn” Marquez bagged the title just hours after Karen Ibasco won the Miss Earth 2017 pageant.

Marquez, the daughter of actors Joey Marquez and Alma Moreno, is the first Filipina to join the beauty pageant that celebrate Hispanic heritage, language, and culture.

She defeated 26 other candidates who represented various countries in the Americas, Europe, and Australia.

In the question-and-answer portion of the pageant, Marquez who doesn’t speak fluent Spanish, was asked, “How would you promote Hispanic-American culture with the great difficulty of the language barrier?”

She answered, “Language can be learned. But the will and determination to contribute something to the organization can not. It has to come from the heart, and 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. And 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. Gracias,” she added.

Right after the pageant, Marquez took over the Facebook page of Reina Hispanoamericana with a live video where she greeted her followers and vowed to fulfill the duties that come with the crown.

“I’m your new Reina Hispanoamericana. I am very happy and I promise I will make the Hispanic culture alive,” she said, promising to learn the Spanish language.

“I love you, Filipinas. Mabuhay [Long live]! Te amo [I love you], Bolivia! Gracias [Thank you],” she added.