Marilag Odtohan

Gandang Pinay: How PH's Miss Universe queens build their lives after reign

Over the decades, the Philippines has produced four Miss Universe winners—Gloria Diaz, Margie Moran, Pia Wurtzbach, and Catriona Gray—who all have cemented the country as one of the pageant’s powerhouse.

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ABS-CBN News

<p>Since the inception of Miss Universe in 1952, it has brought women together from across the world in a celebration of beauty, intelligence, advocacy, and cultural pride. The pageant has served as a platform for women to share their stories, champion causes, and shape conversations on the international stage.</p><p>The Philippines is no stranger to the crown. Over the decades, the Philippines has produced four Miss Universe winners — Gloria Diaz, Margie Moran, Pia Wurtzbach, and Catriona Gray — who all have cemented the country as one of the pageant’s powerhouses.</p><p>But the journey does not end when the crown is passed on. For many titleholders, life after Miss Universe becomes an even broader stage. Meet the Filipina Miss Universe titleholders and see how they continue to make an impact through their careers and advocacies.” </p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Gloria Diaz - Miss Universe 1969</strong></div><p>At the age of 18, Gloria Diaz stepped into the Miss Universe stage in Miami Beach, Florida. Her natural wit, disarming charm, and unembellished beauty won the universe over, ultimately making her the first Filipina to wear the Miss Universe crown in 1969. </p><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-0" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/CNREUjeHyLj/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A13390093.900000006%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="746" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-0" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><p>In the final question round, Diaz was asked, “In a 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?” Delivered with poise and playful humor, she responded, “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.”</p><p>Her historic victory sparked a new era for Filipinas in pageantry and fueled a national enthusiasm that would later see the Philippines claim another crown just four years after her win, along with multiple placements in the decades that followed.</p><p>After her reign, Diaz became a prominent figure in the Philippine cinema whose roles in films have highlighted both her sharp humor and emotional depth. She went on to build a respected body of works — appearing in acclaimed films such as “Ang Pinakamagandang Hayop sa Balat ng Lupa (1974),” “Ganito Kami Noon…Paano Kayo Ngayon? (1976),” “Jose Rizal (1998),” “Batang West Side (2002),” among others — and earned recognitions from some of the country’s most prestigious award-giving bodies like Metro Manila Film Festival, FAMAS, and Gawad Urian.</p><p>Up to this day, she continues to inspire a new generation of beauty queens, often sharing her insights and experiences with young women who hope to follow her steps. </p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Margie Moran - Miss Universe 1973</strong></div><p>Four years after Diaz&#x27;s win, 19-year-old Margie Moran clinched the country&#x27;s second Miss Universe crown in Athens, Greece. Renowned for her elegance and gentle demeanor, Moran also claimed the Miss Photogenic award.</p><p>In the final round, she was asked what she would buy if she had a million dollars. She confidently answered, buying “house and lot because it’s the most expensive thing and I can’t afford it.” She also expressed the desire to live in a stable and communal life while also showing a touch of wit in her answer. </p><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-6" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/CNCWMerHYhs/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A6%2C%22os%22%3A13443796.700000003%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="746" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-6" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><p>Moran also became a viral sensation when a video of her resurfaced after accidentally taking a peak at the cue card of the host as they waited for the announcement of the winner.</p><p>After her reign, she went on to complete her studies, earning a degree in Business Administration before pursuing a master’s degree at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) - University of London. She also continued her commitment to social and civic work, eventually immersing herself in the culture and arts sector. This path led her to serve as the president of Ballet Philippines from 2009 to 2018.</p><p>In January 2018, she was appointed by then-President Rodrigo Duterte as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and just a few months later, she was elected as the institution’s chairperson. </p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Pia Wurtzbach - Miss Universe 2015</strong></div><p>It took 42 years before the Philippines reclaimed another Miss Universe title — and when it happened, it was memorable.</p><p>Pia Wurtzbach’s 2015 win dominated headlines, from her standout performance up to the dramatic coronation mishap. Miss Universe 2015 host Steve Harvey initially misread the cue card and announced Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutiérrez as the winner. Just minutes later, he returned to the stage to correct the error and officially crown Wurtzbach, who stepped forward with composure and grace. </p><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-2" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/_-aREfAxgK/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A2%2C%22os%22%3A13408458.900000006%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="881" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-2" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><p>Her mantra “confidently beautiful with a heart” became a rallying cry for Filipinos. Wurtzbach’s persistence, who attempted three times to win the Binibining Pilipinas Universe title, deepened her connections with fans who admired her self-belief and resilience.</p><p>After Miss Universe, Wurtzbach focused her platform on HIV/AIDS awareness, fulfilling the advocacy she promised to champion if she won the crown. She worked closely with LoveYourself PH and other networks dedicated to awareness, testing, and education. </p><p>She also explored writing and fashion, and pursued acting, starring in &quot;Gandarappido: The Revenger Squad&quot; (2017) with Vice Ganda and &quot;My Perfect You&quot; (2018) with Gerald Anderson.</p><p>In 2017, she was appointed as the UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador for Asia and the Pacific. Her global presence was recognized in 2019 when she was honored with her own wax figure at Madame Tussauds. Four years later, she released her debut novel “Queen of the Universe,” drawn from her real-life experiences as a beauty queen. </p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Catriona Gray - Miss Universe 2018</strong></div><p>When Catriona Gray walked onto the stage with her iconic lava gown, the crowd erupted in applause — a fitting prelude to a performance that would redefine pageant standards. </p><p>Gray’s Miss Universe run remains embedded in the cultural zeitgeist. Seven years after her win, her face, lava walk, slow-mo turn, and every meticulously crafted detail of her performance continue to dominate social media feeds. Contestants still reference her every move frame by frame, underscoring the impact of her precision and artistry.</p><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-4" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/CXkhmefBPrZ/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=540&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A4%2C%22os%22%3A13425017.400000006%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="881" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-4" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><p>Beyond the iconic visuals, Gray also ventured into modeling, music, and television, serving as a host, ambassador, and an advocate. She has worked closely with Smile Train Philippines, Young Focus, the Philippine Red Cross, and LoveYourself PH, championing causes centered on health, education, and community development.</p><p>Gray also expanded her creative footprint. She released original songs and launched the “2 Steps Back” podcast with fellow beauty queen Nicole Cordoves. Her global presence was affirmed when Madame Tussauds Singapore unveiled her wax figure in March 2022. She was among the recipients of the Global Achievement by a Filipino award at the 50th Guillermo Mendoza Memorial Scholarship Foundation Box Office Entertainment Awards.</p><div><strong>*****</strong></div><p>While Diaz, Moran, Wurtzbach, and Gray brought home the titles that defined eras, the Philippines’ story on the global stage is also shaped by the women who came close, those who fell short, who broke years-long drought, and the runners-up who proved that the country remains a powerhouse.</p><p>From Teresita Sanchez in 1952 to Ahtisa Manalo in 2025, these Filipinas have carved a place for the Philippines not just in pageant history, but in the heart of the Universe. They continue to contribute to a legacy built on grace, grit, and purpose. </p><p>Indeed, Gandang Pinay is more than a look, it is a spirit — powerful, unforgettable, and uniquely Filipino.</p>

<p>Over the decades, the Philippines has produced four Miss Universe winners — Gloria Diaz, Margie Moran, Pia Wurtzbach, and Catriona Gray — who all have cemented the country as one of the pageant’s powerhouse.</p>

Over the decades, the Philippines has produced four Miss Universe winners — Gloria Diaz, Margie Moran, Pia Wurtzbach, and Catriona Gray — who all have cemented the country as one of the pageant’s powerhouse.

Gandang Pinay: How PH’s Miss Universe queens built their lives after their reigns

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Gandang Pinay: How PH’s Miss Universe queens built their lives after their reigns

Marilag Odtohan,

ABS-CBN News

Published Nov 20, 2025 03:00 AM PHT

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Updated Nov 20, 2025 09:58 AM PHT

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Miss Universe

Gloria Diaz

Margie Moran

Pia Wurtzbach

Catriona Gray

Filipina

Beauty Queen

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