Gloria Diaz
| Beauty pageant titleholder | |
Gloria Diaz (left) with Margie Moran (middle) and Pia Wurtzbach (right)
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| Born |
Gloria Aspillera Diaz 10 March 1951 Manila, Philippines |
|---|---|
| Hometown | Aringay, La Union, Philippines and Baclaran, Parañaque |
| Occupation | Actress, model |
| Years active | 1969–present |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (168 cm) |
| Title(s) |
Binibining Pilipinas Universe 1969 Miss Universe 1969 |
| Major competition(s) |
Binibining Pilipinas 1969 (Winner- Binibining Pilipinas Universe 1969) Miss Universe 1969 (Winner) (10 Best in Swimsuit) |
Gloria Aspillera Diaz (born 10 March 1951) is a Filipino actress, TV host and beauty queen who is the first Filipina to win the Miss Universe crown in 1969 in Miami Beach, Florida.
Often cited as being part of the Díaz clan in newspapers, she is one of twelve children (10 girls and 2 boys). Her sister, Rio Díaz, was also an actress and beauty titlist.
While studying in college, Díaz was scouted by a pageant aficionado and was convinced to join the sixth edition of Binibining Pilipinas. Her looks and, more importantly, her wit captivated the audience and she was crowned Binibining Pilipinas - Universe 1969 at 18 years old.
Díaz was then sent to Miami Beach, Florida, U.S. to compete in Miss Universe 1969. Arriving at the pageant as an early favorite, Díaz did not disappoint and sailed throughout all the pageant's event that led up to the final at the Miami Beach Auditorium. Making it to the Top 5, she participated in the final question round and her answer to the question regarding "men in the moon" charmed the audience and the judges. She was crowned Miss Universe on 19 July 1969 and becoming the very first Filipino to win the Miss Universe crown.
During her reign, Díaz travelled to several countries to promote the advocacies supported by the Miss Universe Organization as well as appeared in many public and television events in the United States.
For several decades now, Díaz has been considered a brilliant actress within the world of Philippine cinema and television. Shortly after her reign as Miss Universe ended, she pursued an acting career in the Philippines and in 1975, she was cast in her breakthrough performance as Isabel in the critically acclaimed Ang Pinakamagandang Hayop sa Balat ng Lupa. Her performance in the film was met with praise by film critics and was considered one of the most promising breakthroughs of any actress in Philippine cinema. Later that year, she was nominated for a FAMAS Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Lead Role.
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