Winwyn Marquez bids farewell to pageantry following Miss U Ph '25 placement

Actress and pageant veteran Winwyn Marquez has officially concluded her beauty queen journey after being named first runner-up at the Miss Universe Philippines 2025 coronation night held on 2 May at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

In what she declared as her final pageant, Marquez, 32, emerged as one of the top contenders among over 60 aspirants vying for the prestigious national title and the right to represent the Philippines at the upcoming Miss Universe pageant in Bangkok this November. The crown ultimately went to Ahtisa Manalo of Quezon Province.

Following the coronation, Marquez was interviewed by The DAILY TRIBUNE and other members of the press where she made a heartfelt declaration: “This is my last [pageant]. So, I love you guys…” She reiterated her decision with certainty: “This is my last, yeah. I’m sure of it.”

Marquez expressed gratitude to her supporters and reflected on her long and accomplished pageant career. Her journey began in Binibining Pilipinas 2015, where she made it to the Top 15.

In 2017, she competed in Miss World Philippines and earned the title of Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas 2017. Later that year, she represented the Philippines in Bolivia and made history as the first Filipina to win the Reina Hispanoamericana international crown.

Her return to the national pageant stage in 2025 coincided with the expanded inclusivity of Miss Universe, which in 2023 officially removed its age limit and opened participation to married women, mothers, and transgender women—an unprecedented shift in pageant standards.

Marquez, a mother to a three-year-old daughter and in a relationship with a non-showbiz partner, highlighted how significant her placement was under these new criteria.

“Who would’ve thought—now, a mother, first runner-up in Miss Universe Philippines? That’s already great feedback,” she said.

She also emphasized that four mothers participated in this year’s pageant and addressed criticism regarding the inclusion of women with families in the competition: “We are four moms. They gave their best… they sacrificed their time to do this, and I think we should respect that. If someone is truly capable of being Miss Universe Philippines—why not?”

As she steps away from the pageant stage, Marquez shared her plans to focus on her 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. I’ve lived the dream. I hope I inspired many people to pursue what they love without regrets.”

On 3 May, she published an appreciation post on Instagram, reflecting on her Miss Universe Philippines 2025 journey. An excerpt from her message reads: “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.”

“I took the crown of courage—of standing tall and speaking my truth. Showing that you can be both devoted and driven… live boldly, love deeply, and chase your dreams no matter the season you’re in. That, for me, is already a victory

“Who would’ve thought I’d be saying this… Miss Universe Philippines 2025 1st Runner-Up? Feels like a dream already.”

Marquez’s departure from pageantry not only marks the end of a significant chapter but also cements her legacy as a trailblazer for mothers and mature women in an evolving pageant landscape.