Gloria Diaz (Gloria María Aspillera Díaz) born on March 10th 1951 became the first ever Filipina to win the Miss Universe title in 1969 at the 18th edition of the global pageant held in Miami Beach, Florida. She defeated 60 other girls competing for the global beauty title and was crowned Miss Universe 1969 on July 19' 1969.

She was just 18 years old then, and was not amongst the taller contestants at the event, standing tall at only 165cm. The black haired, black eyed beauty from Philippines with measurements of 34.5-23-34.5 gasped as her victory was announced.

In the Q&A round, she was asked - "In the next day or so, a man will land on the moon. If a man from the moon landed in your hometown, what would you do to entertain him? Her reply was "Oh, just the same things I do. I think if he has been on the moon for so long, I think when he comes over he wants to change, I guess. "

She said after winning the pageant that she had entered the pageant to "make friends, meet people and foster better relationship with other countries". With her victory she was awarded a $10,000 cash prize, a $10,000 personal appearance contract, a $7.500 mink coat and an assortment of clothing and cosmetics.

Gloria was one of the twelve children (10 girls, 2 boys). She went on to became a leading actress in Philippines cinema, and won several accolades for her performance in films and television.

As to her personal life, Gloria is married to businessman Gabriel "Bong" Daza, with whom she has two daughters, Isabelle and Ava. Her daughter Isabelle Diaz Daza is also a Filipina actress, television host and a model in the Philippines.