MANILA – Winwyn Marquez was crowned Reina Hispanoamericana 2017 on Saturday night in Bolivia (Sunday morning in Manila), making her the very first Filipina to compete and win in the said beauty pageant.

Marquez bested 26 other beauties in the competition, which celebrates the Hispanic heritage and culture. She succeeded Maria Camila Soleibe from Colombia.

During the pageant’s question-and-answer portion, Marquez was asked how she would promote the Hispanic-American culture with the great difficulty or barrier of language.

Marquez answered: “Language can be learned but the will and determination to contribute to the organization cannot. It has to come from the heart. 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. 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,” she added.

Before she went to Bolivia, Marquez vowed to do her best to make the whole nation proud despite the little time that she had to prepare for the competition.

The Philippines, which was a colony of Spain for over three centuries, is the first Asian country to compete in the pageant.

Prior to the coronation night, Marquez said through an Instagram post that she is “enjoying every minute” of her stay in Bolivia for the beauty competition.

She also thanked her fellow candidates for helping translate the questions – which are primarily in Spanish – during their interviews.

During the pre-pageant activities, Marquez won several special awards.

Marquez is the daughter of screen veterans Joey Marquez and Alma Moreno, and the niece of former Miss International Melanie Marquez.