After successfully gaining her crown and earning her Teacher Certificate Program, Winwyn Marquez took on a new goal when she entered as a reservist on February 18, 2020.
The Kapuso actress, together with fellow actor Rocco Nacino, announced that she joined this year's Basic Citizen's Military Training under the Philippine Navy.
Since then the former Reina Hispanoamericana has been documenting her journey to gain her new title and sharing them on social media.
In an interview with GMANetwork.com, Winwyn said that the most valuable thing she's learned in training was discipline.
“Kumbaga kung alam mo sa sarili mo na disiplinado ka, alam mong mapupuntahan mo 'yung goal mo. Kasi, if you have motivation, yeah it will push you and give you strength, given naman 'yon,” she said.
“But if you don't have the discipline, pwedeng mag-left or right 'yung direction mo, e. So, 'yung goal mo, mas matagal mong mari-reach.”
Check out her journey to become a military reservist in this gallery.
On February 18, Winwyn Marquez joined the Basic Citizens' Military Training Batch 2020. Welcoming her are Kapuso actor Rocco Nacino and Naval Reserve Command Chief Brigadier General Ariel R. Caculitan.
Her training began on August 1, 2020, weeks after the announcement of the general community quarantine in Metro Manila. Along with her batchmates, Winwyn practiced strict protocol and adhered to doing a rapid test before going inside the camp.
On her first day, the BCMC Class 01 2020 voted Wiwnywn Marquez as the class president.
During a Kapuso Brigade ZOOMustahan, the Pinay beauty queen shared that her drive to join the military training was to serve her fellow Filipinos and to protect her loved ones from harm.
In late September, Winwyn learned how to disassemble and assemble three kinds of firearms--the M16, the M14, and a 45mm caliber gun. In a post, she said it's very important to know the rules of safety.
The following week, BCMC Class 01 2020 learned the basics of marksmanship and gun safety training in the hands of their trained instructors.
While Winwyn looks fierce when pulling the trigger, she always reiterated how important it is to know the basic principles of gun safety by heart. She said, “Don't even think that owning or carrying a gun is nakaka-cool or astig ako if I have one. 'Wag kang stupid, 'wag kang feeling action star, mag-training ka muna.”
Winwyn says she's proud of her upcoming title as a military reservist under the Marines. She also debunked the idea that the military is all about war and chaos. She explained, “Our focus is on humanitarian work, civil-military operations, and how you can help people during emergencies. I hope makita ng tao na 'pag pumasok ka dito, maiiba 'yung pananaw mo sa lahat and your priorities do change.”
In October, Winwyn Marquez shared a rare glimpse of her military uniform as she nears her training culmination under the Philippine Marines.
During weekends, Winwyn amps her daily workout by adding a weighted vest while doing calisthenics around her neighborhood.
Although often used for tactical fitness, the military employs the use of weighted vests to get used to carrying extra weight while on the job. As a reservist, Winwyn is preparing herself to do humanitarian work and some heavy lifting.
After Typhoon Ulysses hit the Philippines, Winwyn immediately got to work and coordinated her team to distribute relief goods to a hundred families in Parang Elementary School in Marikina. Although Winwyn was absent during the operation, she was the one who helped organize the donation drive with the help of the Philippine Navy.
On November 22, Winwyn received her certificate as a marine reservist of the Philippine Naval Reserve Command.
Because she was in lock-in taping, her father Joey Marquez was the one who received her certificate on her behalf.
Winwyn graduated with flying colors as she finished top of her class, earning her the title, MSgt Teresita Ssen “Winwyn” Marquez PN-M (Res). Congratulations, Winwyn! We are so proud of you!