Actress and 2025 Miss Universe first runner-up Teresita “Winwyn” Marquez reacts to the newest Miss Universe Philippines candidates, addresses comeback rumors, and shares why she is focusing on acting and hosting for now.
“Amazed and mesmerized,” this was how actress and 2025 Miss Universe first runner-up Teresita “Winwyn” Marquez described the newest batch of candidates of Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH).
Prior to the official announcement of the roster, Marquez was among the top picks of pageant fans who were hoping she would once again join the competition after finishing first runner-up to reigning Miss Universe Philippines Ahtisa Manalo.
Winwyn Marquez on Miss Universe Philippines return rumors
According to Marquez, she feels deeply flattered that fans still want to see her back on the pageant stage.
“Hanggang ngayon, nakakataba pa rin ng puso. Sa sobrang tagal ko sa pageant, may naghahanap pa rin sa akin hanggang ngayon. I’m so happy. But I have to do other things also,” she said.
She also responded to pageant aficionados who claimed that the Miss Universe Philippines lineup would not be complete without her.
“No, that’s not true. Kasi when I saw the girls, I kept saying: ‘Grabe this batch!’ Kaya huwag nilang sabihin iyon. This is a totally different batch and I’m so excited about what they can show to everybody,” she shared.
Marquez clarified that her teasing posts on social media sparked speculation simply because of her new role as a pre-pageant host and her participation in other upcoming events of the organization.
“You know, it’s surprising because everyone ‘assumed,’ but actually I’ve been posting since I found out I’d be the host and that I have a show coming up—so maybe it was really those posts,” she said, laughing.
When asked directly if she is considering joining the pageant again, Marquez kept her options open. “Sinabi ko naman I’m focusing on other things, but I don’t say never and ‘huwag mong i-close ang mga doors,’” she began.
From pageant queen to ‘Never Say Die’ antagonist
“I do have a show on GMA primetime, ‘Never Say Die,’ and I am doing other brands na nagtiwala sa akin. So, I think I’m going to focus on that first, and maybe hosting. Because Empire and of course the Miss Universe Philippines have given me the chance to host today, so maybe one of those,” she explained.
Aside from her hosting duties with Miss Universe Philippines, Marquez is currently part of the GMA Network primetime series “Never Say Die,” where she portrays the antagonist opposite Jillian Ward.
Sinabi ko naman I’m focusing on other things, but I don’t say never and ‘huwag mong i-close ang mga doors.’
Winwyn Marquez
READ:
Miss Universe Philippines 2026 kicks off with 51 aspirants and a digital twist
Kiko Escuadro
February 17, 2026
Raul Rocha explodes over Miss Universe takeover rumors linked to Chavit Singson
Kiko Escuadro
January 3, 2026
Ahtisa Manalo keeps the Philippines’ Miss Universe momentum alive
Kiko Escuadro
November 21, 2025
