Philippines’ pioneer beauty queens, Gemma Cruz Araneta, Gloria Diaz and Megan Young Daez, are amongst the awardees for Arielle Agasang Ako Ay Filipino: A Filipino Fashion Charity Gala & Tribute to the Most Influential Personalities of the Year 2020-2021. The awaited event which was launched and initially scheduled last year will finally be held at the Centennial Ballroom of The Manila Hotel on 24th April 2021.
Here is everything you need to know about the three recipients –
Gemma Cruz Araneta
Gemma Cruz-Araneta is a Filipino politician, writer, director, and beauty queen who became the first Filipina and Asian to win the Miss International crown in 1964. She received an ‘Outstanding Manileña’ and a ‘Golden Heart’ Presidential decoration from President Diosdado Macapagal.
Gemma donated the US$10,000 prize money she won as Miss International in Long Beach, USA to Manila Boys Town and Girls Home, a home for indigent and out-of-school youth in Marikina.
Gemma has held the positions as director of the National Museum, member of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and Secretary of Tourism. She has authored and co-authored seven books on Philippine history and other related topics.
Gloria Diaz
Gloria Diaz is a Filipino actress, model, and beauty queen who rose to fame after becoming the first Filipina to be crowned Miss Universe in 1969.
Gloria joined the 6th Binibining Pilipinas in 1969 and won the pageant, earning the right to compete at the 18th edition of Miss Universe in Miami Beach, Florida. Gloria charmed the judges with her answer to the final question about the ‘man on the moon’ which gained her a lot of attention and love. News of her victory (and her measurements) were historically communicated to the Apollo 11 crew members during their space mission.
Gloria soon after carved a prolific career as an actress and was launched in Celso Ad Castillo’s ‘Pinakamagandang Hayop sa Balat ng Lupa’ in 1975 which was a commercial and critical success.
Gloria has so far won accolades as Best Supporting Actress from FAMAS for ‘Sagrada Familia’ (2010) and ‘Batang West Side’ (2002), STAR for Movies for ‘Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo’ (2008) and ‘Nasaan Ka Man’ (2006), URIAN for ‘Batang West Side’ and Metro Manila Film Festival for ‘Rizal’ (1998).
Megan Young
Megan Young is a Filipino-American actress, model, television presenter, and beauty queen who pioneered Philippines win at Miss World in 2013. Till date, she is the first and the only Filipina to win Miss World for her country.
Megan bested a record-breaking 127 contestants at the Nusa Dua Convention Center in Bali, Indonesia on 28th September 2013. After her reign as Miss World, Megan continued her association with the Miss World Organization and was dubbed as its ‘favorite’ titleholder, having hosted the Miss World in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017. She also hosted Mr. World in 2014, 2016 and 2019 (held in Manila).
Gemma, Gloria and Megan are amongst more than 100 awardees selected by a distinguished screening committee from different sectors of society who are lined up to be given tribute for their exemplary contributions to the community.
The inaugural ‘Ako ay Filipino’ aims to raise funds for the construction and improvement of the infrastructure, service facilities and other sacred spaces for the devotees of Our Lady of Assumption Parish in Lavezares, Northern Samar who is the event’s chosen beneficiary for the year 2020-2021.