Winwyn used sign language during the Bolivia pageant
Because she wasn’t well-versed in Spanish, newlycrowned 2017 Reina Hispanoamericana Teresita Ssen ‘”Winwyn” Lacsamana Marquez admitted that she had to use sign language in communicating with fellow candidates in the Latina-dominated pageant held in Bolivia.
“I felt so lost because of the language barrier,” Winwyn confessed in an interview in New York where she took a much-needed break before flying back to Manila. “I really wanted to visit NYC again. It has been a long time since I have been to the Big Apple. I want to explore NYC again.”
The interview was held in Wyandanch, Long Island, where she was staying during her vacation.
Winwyn revealed that during the first few days of the Reina Hispanoamericana pageant she would cry every night.
“My Tita Ailyn and Kuya Yeoj kept me sane. I was so grateful that the other delegates really helped me out. Some of the ladies would translate for me most of the time.”
Then, Filipinos living in Bolivia started showing up.
“They visited me and boosted my confidence. There are around 30 Filipinos living there and they really went full force in supporting me, especially during the finals night. Hearing them cheering for me made me do my best throughout the pageant. It felt like the whole Philippines was there!”
The first Filipino to compete in the pageant and the first Asian to win the crown, Winwyn said that she learned many things in Bolivia.
“I became a stronger person. Now I can face any challenge. Being with the Latin beauties made me strive to give everything during the competition. I only had three weeks to prepare for the pageant and I will make sure the country’s candidate will be more prepared next year.”
Winwyn believed that being cooperative, friendly and receptive helped her win. Her answer to the question (about how she would promote Latin culture since she didn’t know much Spanish) came from her heart.
“I experienced it first hand. The organizers and fellow candidates made me feel loved despite my limited knowledge of Spanish.”
She also revealed her plans of partnering with her alma mater, Southville College, in projects that will involve teaching students in the near future.
“I already have my teaching certificate so I would really love to influence people by sharing what I know. I have a bigger voice and can influence more people.”