Wyn, Mariel, Katarina: Grace under pressure

CEBU, Philippines — It’s pageant season all over the world once again and our Pinay queens are one by one being sent off to begin their international missions.

Starting off with Elizabeth Clenci’s ongoing bid in Miss Grand International in Vietnam (finals night on October 25), then Teresita Ssen “Winwyn” Marquez as the very first Filipina delegate for Reina Hispanoamericana in Bolivia on November 4, and Laura Lehmann for Miss World on November 18 in China—the ladies are hoping to add to the country’s mounting haul of prestigious crowns.

Winwyn, alongside Binibining Pilipinas 2017 titlists—Bb. Pilipinas International Mariel De Leon and Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental Katarina Rodriguez—were recently in Cebu for the first ever Visayas screening of Aces and Queens at the Golden Peak Hotel and Suites in preparation for the camp’s Class of 2018 roster.

Winwyn, Mariel and Katarina all trained under Aces and Queens, the very same camp that churned out international winners like Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, Kylie Verzosa, Megan Young, Shamcey Supsup, Venus Raj, Janine Tugonon, and Ariella Arida among so many others.

Preceding the screening with Aces and Queens pillars Jonas Gaffud, Nad Bronce and Arnold Mercado was the launch of Gaffud’s book “The Crown: Your Essential Guide To Becoming A Beauty Queen.”

First Asian participant

 “As the first Asian, and the first Filipina to join Reina Hispanoamericana, I’m very honored. I honestly don’t know what to expect,” says Winwyn.

The 25-year-old actress adds that despite being unsure of what the organizers are looking for in their winner, she is deadset on showing off her strengths, going into the pageant with not only a sound body, but a sound mind as well.

 “I’m also preparing myself mentally,” the daughter of actors Alma Moreno and Joey Marquez shares.

 “Knowing Latinas, they are all beautiful and they really know how to perform so I’m trying to look into my strengths and using them to stand out. I love dancing so I hope it translates well, and I’m working on a more polished walk.”

Having taken a crash course in Spanish, Winwyn says it was impossible to be fluent in a foreign language with the time she had left.

 “I only had less than a month to prepare. At least may baon ako. If I had more time then maybe I would have learned more,” adds Wyn, who just left for Bolivia with her mom and boyfriend Mark Herras emotionally sending her off at the airport.

Back-to-back mission

As for Mariel, another showbiz progeny, the 23-year-old isn’t about to crack under the pressure of a back-to-back Miss International win after co-Aces and Queens scholar Kylie Verzosa took the crown last year.

The pageant, to be held November 14 in Japan, is something that Mariel wants to conquer, but notes that she’s not going to beat herself up if things don’t go her way.

Before she leaves for the Land of the Rising Sun, Mariel is working on a film with Coco Martin, who stars and directs the MMFF 2017 entry “Ang Panday.”

Despite being the daughter of actors Christopher De Leon and Sandy Andolong, Mariel tries not to stress herself with her first major movie role.

With a few filming schedules a week, most of her time still goes to pageant preparations.

Despite being a rookie in acting, the Culinary graduate says that Coco is great to work with. She felt intimidated at first, but the cast has been very patient and helpful towards her.

Not only gaining attention as a stunner and budding actress, Mariel is also known for voicing out her thoughts, and encourages other personalities to do the same: use their influence in more ways that could benefit the community.

 “I wish that more celebrities become more open and true to themselves. Although I agree that others might be scared of the backlash that I, for example went through, I believe that fear shouldn’t hold you back from doing what’s right,” Mariel insists.

Very competitive

Unlike her fellow titlists, Asia’s Next Top Model alumna and Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental titleholder Katarina still has some time left to prepare for the Miss Intercontinental 2017 competition in Sri Lanka come December – but that doesn’t mean she’s cutting herself any slack.

Transitioning from the modelling business into the pageant circuit, Katarina has adjusted well and is clearly very competitive. Focused on a training regimen that’s “very intense and time-consuming,” Katarina spends her days learning how to walk, talk, look and act like a beauty queen, as well as learning about Sri Lanka’s culture and history.

 “It’s a one-time-big-time thing, and the key is to just really be organized. I keep a journal with a list of priorities. You have to always be punctual and present, and talk and listen to the Mamas,” Katarina quips.

Katarina says that there are a lot of things to do, which is why it’s important to have a checklist in tow. As for her learning curve, she admits that she’s concerned about doing her hair and learning how to create the perfect look that would send the right message and build the perfect image. Throughout all these, she is grateful for the guidance of her Aces and Queens family.

Speaking as a pageant industry newbie, Katarina emphasizes the importance of character, saying that it is challenging and a complete commitment to be a queen 24 hours a day, even when you sleep, eat, and shower.

Despite all the challenges, the ladies remained calm and stately throughout the Aces and Queens Visayas screening. Not long ago, they were in the shoes of these hopefuls, but were now sitting as panelists and titlists.

Wyn, Mariel and Katarina are more than willing to help out anyone who dares to enter the world of pageantry – reassuring the nervous, bringing the best out of every aspirant, sharing their knowledge, enlightening the confused – all the while preparing to represent the country in the global stage throughout the best of their abilities.