mnl168 Dia Mate on similarities with Winwyn Marquez: ‘A beautiful coincidence’

Reigning Reina Hispano Americana Filipinas Dia Mate (left), and Teresita Ssen “WinWyn” Marquez, 2017 Reina Hispano Americana titleholder. Image from Instagram

royal bet slot

Dia Mate is aiming to give the Philippines its second victory in the Reina Hispanoamericana pageant, and she said people have noticed she bears a striking resemblance with the first Filipino woman to win the title, Teresita Ssen “Winwyn” Marquez.

“People say sometimes she looks like my Ate [big sister],” the professional singer and mental health advocate told INQUIRER.net at the sidelines of her sendoff party held at La Noire in Makati City on Wednesday evening, Jan. 15.

Article continues after this advertisement

But the two share more things in common other than their dusky Filipino features. Both ladies come from prominent families. Both of them had joined a different pageant before bagging their own national titles. And both of them are in the entertainment industry.

FEATURED STORIES ENTERTAINMENT Angel Locsin breaks social media hiatus after recovering X account ENTERTAINMENT MMFF 2024: ‘And the Breadwinner Is,’ ‘Green Bones’ top box office ENTERTAINMENT Regine Velasquez 'disappointed' SB19 Stell’s concert guesting won't push through

Marquez is from a famed show biz clan of the Marquezes, counting 1979 Miss International Melanie Marquez as her aunt, and 2024 Miss Universe Top 10 finalist Michelle Dee as cousin.

She has appeared in TV shows and movies before embarking on her Binibining Pilipinas journey in 2015, a pageant pursuit that saw her finish in the semifinals.

MANILA  – The local stock market shed on profit-taking, while the peso ended weak on Thursday.

In a statement on Thursday, the BSP said that as of Oct. 11, 2024, the total coin collection has already reached P1.008 billion.

Article continues after this advertisement

Marquez then joined the 2017 Miss World Philippines pageant, where she earned the right to become the country’s first-ever representative in the Latin-dominated Reina Hispanoamericana competition in Bolivia, before bringing home the crown.

Article continues after this advertisement

Mate, for her part, is from the Remulla political clan of Cavite. She has been enjoying a career as a professional singer before giving pageantry a shot via the 2024 Miss Universe Philippines pageant.

Article continues after this advertisement

Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas Dia Mate / ARMIN P. ADINA

She then immediately moved to the Miss World Philippines pageant, where became one of the five winners, snagging the Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas title.

“It’s a beautiful coincidence. But I think it’s just God’s divine timing talaga (really), putting me and Winwyn in the places that we are in right now,” Mate shared.

Article continues after this advertisement

Her mentor Gerry Diaz of the Aces and Queens pageant camp facilitated a meeting between the two queens in Makati City. Marquez was also a product of the training team.

Mate said Marquez told her, “I can’t be intimidated with my surroundings and the Latinas, and to just truly enjoy. So that’s what I’m going to hold on to during the pageant.”

She added: “That’s what I’m keeping inside for this journey, to make sure that I’m focusing on myself, blocking out all the noise, and perform the best I can.”

Mate also shared why winning the international title is important for her. “As a Filipino, we share so many cultural roots with the Latin Americans. We have such a deep history, we were colonized by the [Spaniards] just like the Latin Americans were. So we share so many of the same values — family, faith, hospitability, warmth. And as a [Filipino woman], being on the Reina Hispanoamericana stage, I believe that I will be a symbol of this, bridging the two communities even though we don’t speak the same language.”

The singer said she has prepared covers of Spanish songs to perform during the pageant’s activities, where the participants are expected to showcase their talents.

And with the Reina Hispanoamericana pageant’s reputation as a competition of explosive stage presentations, Mate has tapped the “pasarela queen” herself, 2024 Miss Grand International first runner-up CJ Opiaza, to help with her onstage routine.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

SIGN ME UP

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Mate will fly to Bolivia on Saturdaymnl168, Jan. 18, with her family and friends also expected to join her for the competition. The Reina Hispanoamericana grand coronation show will be on Feb. 9 (Feb. 10 in Manila).

READ NEXT Dia Mate on similarities with Winwyn Marquez: ‘A beautif... Does Jolina Magdangal consider herself a pop culture icon? EDITORS' PICK 10 key moments in the Israel-Hamas war Electricity grid rate tipped to rise in February LA fires: Suspected arsonist ‘enjoyed causing chaos and destruction’ Filipino restaurant turns into donation hub for LA fire victims Chavit Singson withdraws from 2025 senatorial race Siargao Island Medical Center: Transforming healthcare for Surigaonons MOST READ PNP says mall guard in viral video may lose license MMFF 2024: ‘And the Breadwinner Is,’ ‘Green Bones’ top box office INQToday: Marcos stance on Duterte impeachment ‘unchanged’ amid Enrile’s remarks Weaker peso curbed remittances in November Follow @FMangosingINQ on Twitter --> View comments