TWO Filipino women took the global spotlight over the weekend by winning the crown in their respective competitions.

Teresita Ssen “Winwyn” Marquez and Karen Ibasco were crowned Reina Hispanoamericana and Miss Earth 2017, respectively.

Marquez, 25, edged out 27 other candidates in the pageant held in Sta Cruz, Bolivia on Saturday night (Sunday morning in Manila). She is the first Asian to bag the title.

Teresita Ssen “Winwyn” Marquez PHOTO FROM PAGEANTSPH INSTAGRAM

“The Hispanic culture is not about language only. It’s about love for God, love for country, love for history and culture and love for family. And as a Filipina with a unique heritage, I have instilled that. I am ready to promote the Hispanic culture not just in Asia but in the whole world. It is time to celebrate the Hispanic culture. It is meant to be celebrated.”

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Marquez succeeded Maria Camila Soleibe of Colombia.

Reina Hispanoamericana is an annual beauty pageant celebrating Hispanic heritage, language and culture.

The pageant began in 1991 and has been held ever since in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia.

Shortly after her coronation, Marquez posted a message through Reina Hispanoamericana’s Facebook page and said, “I am very happy and I promise to make the Hispanic culture alive.”

Ibasco, meanwhile, had for her court Lada Akimova of Russia (Miss Earth Fire), Juliana Franco of Colombia (Miss Earth Water) and Nina Robertson of Australia Miss Earth Air.

Ibasco is a medical physicist and physics professor at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) where she graduated cum laude.

CRISTINA ALPAD WITH KAROL JOSEPH LUCENA