PHILIPPINES’ TERESITA SSEN ‘WINWYN’ MARQUEZ was crowned Reina Hispanoamericana 2017 in Bolivia today, giving the country its first crown in this pageant on its very first try.

Marquez’ victory came hours after fellow Filipina beauty, Karen Ibasco won Miss Earth 2017 held in Manila night of November 4.

Marquez, an actress under GMA Network, capped off a string of outstanding performances leading up to finals night. She’d already won several early-competition awards and had been named a favorite by Bolivian newspapers.

The 25-year-old placed in the Top 3 during both the preliminary Swimsuit and National Costume segments, and wore a shimmering emerald green gown by Ezra Santos for the evening gown competition.

We believe she shone the brightest during the Question & Answer portion. Asked, “How would you promote Hispanic Americana culture with language barriers?,” the queen answered:

“Language can be learned, but the will and determination to contribute something to the organization cannot. It has to come from the heart and it has to be natural.

I believe that kindness is a universal language. If you treat people with tolerance, patience, and love, you will understand each other.

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.

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.”

Marquez earned her spot after being crowned Reina Hispanoamericana-Filipinas 2017 at the Miss World Philippines 2017 pageant earlier this year. Laura Lehman, meanwhile, won the right to represent the Philippines at the ongoing Miss World 2017 pageant in Sanya, China.

Winwyn Marquez when she won Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas earlier this year.

Prior to joining the 2017 run, Marquez first joined Binibining Pilipinas in 2015 where she finished in the Top 15, part of the winning circle of Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach.

Marquez graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, major in Marketing Management, from San Beda College in Alabang. She’s the daughter of actor-politicians Joey Marquez and Alma Moreno.

Among her awards are: Miss Ipanema, Miss Personalidad Udabol first runner-up, Top 3 for Miss Silueta Philips (Miss Silhouette Philips), Top 3 of the Best Traditional Costume, Top 5 for Miss Deportas Patra (Sports), and Top 5 for Best Smile.

Reina Hispanoamericana 2017 Top 5 for Best Smile

Other results: Curaçao’s Akisha Albert was named Virreina Hispanoamericana; Brazil’s Lais Berte placed first runner-up; Venezuela’s Ma. Victoria D’Ambrosio, second runner-up; Mexico’s Karla Berumen, third runner-up; and host country Bolivia’s Katherine Añazgo, fourth runner-up.

Reina Hispanoamericana, or Hispanic American Queen, is an annual pageant that began in 1991 as Reina Sudamericana (South American Queen) before adopting its current name. Based in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, it celebrates Hispanic heritage, language, and culture. The Philippines, a former Spanish colony for over 333 years, only joined this year — 26 years after the pageant’s founding.