Melanie basks in ‘Reina’ Winwyn’s triumphant vindication

WinWyn Marquez

Reina Hispanoamericana (RH) 2017 WinWyn Marquez took after her aunt, Miss International 1979 Melanie Marquez. Panache is in their DNA.

If I remember right, our newly crowned queen’s nickname (“Win”) was coined by her parents, Joey Marquez and Alma Moreno, because she was born during the election campaign period at the height of their respective political careers.

When Wyn joined Bb. Pilipinas (BBP) in 2015, she didn’t clinch a title even if she stood out. So that makes her victory in Miss World Philippines and Reina Hispanoamericana all the more sweeter (or is it also “sweet revenge?”).

Melanie was crowned Miss International when she was only 15. At a young age, Melanie already had a certain je ne sais quoi that charmed everyone.

The Marquez Queens really know how to leave their mark. Yes, yes, yes!

Here’s my chat with Melanie:

What’s your “beauty queen” advice to Wyn? To always pray for guidance. Not to let stress cramp her style. To always wear her “invisible crown,” so her queenly persona will radiate in all aspects.

What was your most memorable experience during your reign as Miss International? My arrival at the airport from the pageant in Tokyo. Instead of walking on the red carpet, I chose to walk barefoot on the other side of the fence to shake the hands of my well-wishers. And when I went past the guards so I could approach Gloria Diaz and thank her for believing in me and making me win in Bb. Pilipinas.

What’s your advice to wom en who keep joining beauty pageants? I admire them. They should keep on trying and never quit. They’re better than girls who quit without trying hard enough.

Melanie Marquez

What changes would you like to see in BBP? They should be fair to the candidates who are highly qualified to win the crown. I was very disappointed with the way they conducted the result of Wyn’s participation in 2015. She won two major awards, fared well in the Q&A, yet she didn’t win a title. I also encourage them to use more creations by Filipino designers.

In what ways are you and Wyn alike? We have unique personalities, love to do charity work and like to inspire others. We are women of substance.

Is it a plus factor if contestants in BBP answer in English fluently? There’s no such thing as a plus factor for an English-speaking candidate. Even if the girl answers in Filipino, Cebuano or other dialects, it’s the essence of her message that matters and the way she delivers it.

What’s the biggest love lesson you’ve learned? Not to be too vulnerable and trusting. To leave some love for myself. My trusting and loving too much caused me shame and pain in my younger years.

How did you handle your bashers during your reign? I ignored them and counted my blessings, instead.

How do you manage to age gracefully? Live with gratitude, eat the right food, laugh with friends, love a lot, always have forgiveness in my heart.

If you would judge in the next Miss Universe pageant, what question would you ask the Top 5 finalists? “What’s your definition of a Beauty Queen?”

Organique Acai brand ambassadors Tweetie de Leon-Gonzales, Regine Tolentino and Cory Quirino led the Organique Purple Run 2017 with close to 6,000 participants at BGC. Part of the proceeds of the event was donated to the beneficiaries of “TV Patrol’s” 30th outreach program.