How Winwyn Marquez juggled pageantry, motherhood in Miss Universe Philippines run

When Winwyn Marquez stepped onto the Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) 2025 stage, she brought with her a wealth of experience from previous pageants like Binibining Pilipinas and Miss World Philippines, alongside her historic win at Reina Hispanoamericana in 2017.

But this time, something else stood alongside her impressive resume: the profound journey of motherhood. In April 2022, Winwyn welcomed her daughter, Luna, a life-changing event that became the absolute center of her world.

Winwyn shared with Rappler the personal hurdles she faced, including a diagnosis of endometrioma that made conceiving challenging. This required extensive medication and took a mental toll. She recalled that after receiving the news, pageantry naturally took a backseat. "I wanted to have my own family," she explained, emphasizing why Luna is a "miracle" to her and her partner as first-time parents.

Following her 2017 international win, Winwyn often wondered if returning to pageantry was the right path. She admitted to not having the "110%" drive to compete again, feeling it might no longer be her destiny. She was ready to move forward, focusing on her dream of having a family, a dream she felt God had granted her.

However, just months after Luna's arrival, news broke that would change everything. The Miss Universe organization announced they would begin allowing mothers and wives to compete. For Winwyn, this felt like a significant sign. Although content with her Reina Hispanoamericana title, she acknowledged a deeper aspiration.

She saw this rule change as divine timing. "I took that as a sign," she told Rappler, describing how she thanked God for granting her desires, including her "miracle" daughter Luna, and now, this new opportunity. When her local director invited her to join MUPH, she embraced it wholeheartedly.

From that moment on, motherhood became the symbolic crown Winwyn wore proudly throughout her entire MUPH journey.

Her intention was always clear: to enter the competition with purpose. "My intention was to send a message to everybody that even if you’re a mother or anybody or a wife or just someone who has big dreams, it will always be valid," she stated. She aimed to demonstrate that being a mom doesn't mean staying home or pausing one's aspirations.

Navigating the demanding, three-month-long MUPH commitment while raising a daughter in her crucial early years presented significant challenges. Time, she confessed, was her biggest opponent. Missing Luna's milestones was a real possibility, but thankfully, her partner diligently captured these moments for her to cherish later.

Winwyn relied heavily on meticulous preparation and planning to make it all work. She prepared mentally and organized everything from household responsibilities to grocery lists. Communicating with her family about managing things in her absence was crucial. Despite the struggle, she ensured she made time for her daughter, especially during training periods.

She found immense strength in motherhood, saying, "That’s why I love being a mom. Because the things that I never imagined doing, I could do it."

Pageant venues often became Luna's second home. Whenever the schedule permitted, Luna would be nearby with her father, her presence a constant source of support for Winwyn. Luna even tagged along to fittings and training sessions, making it unsurprising that she quickly became her mom's mini-me.

Winwyn fondly recounted how Luna absorbed everything, calling her "Miss Universe Philippines," mimicking her walk and poses, and constantly telling her how beautiful she was. These "little things" were significant wins for Winwyn, seeing her daughter aware and supportive of her efforts, creating shared memories.

Luna also bonded with other contestants, treating them like big sisters. During the swimsuit competition trip to Boracay, Luna joined in, using the beach as her playground and the younger delegates as playmates – a memory Winwyn says Luna cherishes.

"It’s nice because she was with me in my journey," Winwyn reflected. She was proud to have included Luna and demonstrated that it's possible to pursue personal goals without neglecting family responsibilities.

Despite her careful planning, hurdles arose. Mid-competition, during a shoot, Winwyn learned Luna had contracted dengue. She finished her professional commitments, with understanding from the other candidates and the MUPH organization, before rushing to be with her daughter in the hospital.

Beyond the practical challenges, self-doubt also crept in. Winwyn admitted, "I’m human after all. Sometimes I doubt myself. Sometimes I ask myself, ‘Am I worthy? Am I a good mom because I’m doing this?’" She acknowledged it's okay to question oneself, but stressed the importance of not letting it consume you.

Ultimately, she always circled back to her purpose and her role as Luna's mother. Doing this for herself and her family was her driving force. She believes she conveyed her message, emphasizing that for her, it was "more than just a crown." She hopes to have inspired many women, particularly mothers.

Winwyn finds solace in knowing she is Luna's constant, providing a secure, loving, and supportive environment. "I think that’s the best thing I can give my daughter," she shared, calling it the most rewarding aspect of motherhood – knowing her daughter will always be there.

On coronation night, Luna stayed awake to watch her mom. Despite being small in the crowd, her presence, banner in hand, was immense to Winwyn. Luna's immediate reaction afterwards, running up and calling her "Miss Universe Philippines," brought a moment of laughter and tenderness.

Luna’s support extends beyond the stage. Her tight hugs and simple question, "Mama, are you okay?", provide powerful comfort after long days. These moments, Winwyn shared, make everything worthwhile, reminding her that in her daughter's eyes, she is perfect – a true consolation prize.

While she didn't win the coveted title, Winwyn's participation was a victory in itself. She successfully represented mothers on a prominent platform, earning an invisible crown she will always wear proudly.

Winwyn's journey serves as a powerful inspiration for mothers with dreams. She encourages them to make time for themselves and step out of their comfort zones when ready, asserting that dreams don't end with motherhood but evolve. It's about finding the courage to pursue aspirations, no matter when.

Her final message to fellow mothers is one of empowerment: "When you become a mother, you have this powerful, powerful power in you that whatever you put your heart into, your mind into, you can do it." May her MUPH run be the encouragement needed for moms everywhere to chase their biggest goals.