Gloria Diaz, the Philippines’ first Miss Universe titleholder in 1969, continues to inspire with her candid wit, enduring beauty, and vibrant career in showbiz as she reflects on her historic win and life at 74.
Gloria Diaz made history on July 19, 1969, when she became the first Filipina to win the Miss Universe crown in Miami Beach, Florida. At only 18 years old, Diaz charmed judges with her now-iconic response to host Bob Barker’s question about entertaining a man from the moon: “Oh, just the same things I do. I think if he has been in the moon for so long, I think when he comes over, he wants to change, I guess.”
Her witty answer, delivered a day before Apollo 11’s lunar landing, cemented her victory and earned a memorable remark from then–U.S. President Richard Nixon during his Philippine state visit: “The United States conquered the moon, but the Philippines conquered the universe.”
In a recent interview on Fast Talk with Boy Abunda, Diaz recalled her early pageant experiences, admitting she had no certainty of winning but remained confident. She also shared humorous anecdotes, such as wearing high heels and using deodorant for the first time during the competition. Asked how she would answer the moon question today, she quipped: “Depende on how he looks… if he’s guwapo, I’ve met a lot of good-looking ones there.”
Following her reign, Diaz transitioned into acting and became one of Philippine cinema’s most respected and award-winning actresses, debuting in Ang Pinakamagandang Hayop sa Balat ng Lupa. Today, she appears in GMA’s primetime series Beauty Empire as Clara, the matriarch.
Now 74, Diaz embraces aging with grace, saying beauty comes from meaningful relationships and inner happiness rather than youth alone. She remains active in both her career and personal life, sharing details of her nearly three-decade romance with banker Michael de Jesus. While marriage is not in their plans, Diaz says their partnership thrives on love, respect, and intimacy.