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Charmie Joy Pagulong - The Philippine Star
May 12, 2025 | 12:00am
MUPH 2025 first runner-up, mom and actress Winwyn Marquez will spend quality time with her loved ones, including her daughter Luna, after her pageant stint. –Photos from Winwyn’s Instagram page
MANILA, Philippines — Fresh from her stint at the Miss Universe Philippines (2025) pageant, where she placed first runner-up, Winwyn Marquez spent quality time with her family on Mother’s Day.
She also told The STAR in an interview after the MUPH coronation night held recently at the SM Mall of Asia Arena that she was also going to catch up on sleep and stay away from phones and the Internet.
Last week was a busy one for Winwyn as she celebrated her daughter’s (Luna) birthday on April 30, which also coincided with MUPH’s National Costume show, the MUPH finals night on May 2, and her birthday on May 4.
Asked if the Mother’s Day celebration has a different meaning to her now, she said, “Maybe it has no (different) meaning because I mean what will happen is quality time with my family. I spent so much time here. I sacrificed my time with my family and I think this time I need to give back to them. I’ve done my job. And I hope I’ve inspired a lot of people to do what they always wanted to do without any regrets.”
Winwyn also announced that the MUPH was her last pageant. “Just joining the MUPH, I’m already a winner. (It’s) a good feat already and my family was watching. My daughter is here. She’s still awake.
“And I’m just super happy that I was able to meet all the girls (candidates) and they call me ‘ate.’ I’ve established a relationship with them so for me, I’m already a winner,” she expressed, stressing that she’s happy with MUPH 2025 Ahtisa Manalo’s win.
The actress and beauty queen represented Muntinlupa City at the MUPH 2025 and earned numerous special awards, including Miss Jell Life, Miss Aqua Boracay, Miss Clinique de Paris, Miss Mags, Miss New Moon, Miss So-En, Miss Wendy’s, Miss Wuling and Miss Zion.
She earlier joined Binibining Pilipinas in 2015 where she was among the Top 15. She was named Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas 2017 at the Miss World Philippines 2017 and was eventually crowned Reina Hispanoamericana 2017 in Bolivia.
Queried for her reaction to people saying that mothers should no longer join MUPH, she replied, “Well, I’m first runner-up. Who knows maybe yung next na sumali maging Miss Universe Philippines ‘di ba.
“I’m a mom. We are four moms (MUPH bets). They gave their best. They sacrificed their time. And I think we should respect that. And kung may sasali talagang magaling and pwedeng maging MUPH, why not?”
On her social media page, the actress described her pageant journey as “unexpected.” “A beautiful surprise I never thought would be mine. There were days I felt strong, and days when nerves and doubts hit me hard. 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.
“This was never just about a crown for me… 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,” she mused.
For Winwyn, she “took the crown of courage, of standing tall and speaking my truth, 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.” And that’s her definition of “victory.”
Her placement at the MUPH 2025 “feels like a dream already,” she stated and expressed her gratitude to all those who supported her, believed in her and stayed with her until the end.
“I hope I made you proud. Pilipinas, maraming maraming salamat and to the Universe… Thank you for making this happen,” she concluded.
