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Miss Universe Philippines 2025 first runner-up Winwyn Marquez at Global Youth Summit. Marquez/IG
Beauty queen-actress Winwyn Marquez just marked a new milestone as she got the rare opportunity to speak about causes close to her heart in front of thousands of youth leaders in the country.
The Miss Universe Philippines 2025 first runner-up took the stage and talked about women empowerment and gender equality at Global Youth Summit 2025, held last August 3 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
She was one of the speakers in the event, which also featured the likes of broadcast journalist Jessica Soho, G-Force founder Georcelle Dapat-Sy, and actor-host Edward Barber, among others.
Like Marquez, they also discussed the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): peace, justice, and strong institution for Soho; reducing inequalities for Dapat-Sy; and good health and well-being for Barber.
More than 33,000 youth leaders from different parts of the country listened to what they had to say -- something that the beauty queen still finds "surreal."
"To be trusted with that space, to talk about women's empowerment and gender equality (SDG 5) is something I'll always be thankful for. Isang milestone 'to para sa akin," she said in an Instagram post.
"This experience is one I'll carry with me... Not just because of the crowd, but because I felt the energy of young Filipinos who are ready to lead and make an impact," she added.
As she relished her experience, Marquez declared that things do happen for a reason, likely alluding to her first runner-up finish in the Miss Universe Philippines 2025 pageant.
"And as they say... when one door closes, another opens," she said. "Sometimes, it opens to 33,000+ youth leaders who are ready to change the world."
Marquez returned to pageantry after 8 years as she attempted to win the chance to represent the Philippines on the Miss Universe stage.
She placed second to fellow veteran Ahtisa Manalo, but is nevertheless happy with how things turned out: "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."
It was in 2017 when Marquez made history as the first winner of the Latina-dominated Reina Hispanoamericana competition.
Aside from her success in pageantry, Marquez is also known for her showbiz roots. She is the daughter of screen veterans Joey Marquez and Alma Moreno, and cousin of fellow beauty queen-actress Michelle Dee, who finished in the Top 10 of Miss Universe 2023.