Teresita Ssen “Winwyn” Marquez is the new Reina Hispanoamericana.

The 25-year-old artist became the first Asian to bag the crown when she bested 26 other delegates in ceremonies held in Bolivia on Nov. 4 (Nov. 5 in Manila).

She is also the first contestant from the Philippines and Asia to participate in the global tilt which began in 1991.

Marquez earned the right to represent the country in the international pageant when she received the Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas title in the revamped Miss World Philippines pageant in September.

Before leaving for the competition, Marquez said she took basic Spanish language classes to help her communicate in the pageant that celebrates Spanish heritage.

With the aid of an interpreter, she told the audience during the pageant’s interview round that “kindness is a universal language.”

She edged out the delegate from Curacao for the title.

Prior the coronation night, Marquez already won various special awards such as Miss Ipanema at the second Gala de la Belleza (Gala of Beauty), and first runner up in the Miss Personalidad Udabol competition.

It was organized by Bolivia-based Promociones Gloria. Last year’s Reina Hispanoamerica was Colombia’s Maria Camila Soleibe.

Marquez’s victory came less than a day since her compatriot Karen Ibasco bagged the Miss Earth crown in the Philippines. /cbb