Miss Universe 1969 Gloria Diaz honored at first-ever Binibining Pilipinas Gala

With more than six decades of history, it was a surprise that this year’s Binibining Pilipinas gala was its first. And at the event, a new platform to recognize the pageant’s exemplary alumnae was also launched. Its first inductee was Gloria Diaz, the “OG” queen herself.

The first Filipino woman to bring home the Miss Universe crown was also the first recipient of the Binibining Pilipinas “Sisterhood Hall of Fame” award, handed out during the gala held at the Novotel Manila Araneta City in Quezon City on Monday evening, June 22.

No less than 2010 Miss Universe fourth runner-up Venus Raj and Bb. Pilipinas 1985 Joyce Anne Burton-Titular called as “the queen of resurgence,” presented Diaz with her award.

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Raj was credited for the Philippines’ resurgence as an international pageant powerhouse by breaking the country’s Miss Universe drought and starting a 12-year placement streak in the international pageant.

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“Beginning this year, the Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI) will honor a member of the Binibining Pilipinas Sisterhood whose significant contributions have made this a family of alpha women, icons of inspiration and service to humanity,” she said.

In accepting her recognition, Diaz shared how winning the 1969 Miss Universe pageant has impacted her life, in mostly favorable ways. But she also said she tries to push back the feeling so as not to get pressured by others’ expectations of her.

“My children themselves never really knew what Miss Universe was until maybe five, 10 years ago, when they realized it was a contest, it’s not like being a congressman or senator. So they said ‘it’s forever,'” she said

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Diaz said her kids were curious why people knew her, even when they travel. “The Filipinos were very nice to me, and would talk to me as if it was today that I was Miss Universe,” she said.

Diaz said it has been a “great privilege” to be working with BPCI Chair Stella Marquez-Araneta and her husband Jorge Araneta, as well as the people from the organization.

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The gala also highlighted BPCI’s commitment to serving the underprivileged, especially the children, through its partnerships with various organizations that promote social welfare, education and women empowerment.

Reigning Bb. Pilipinas Katrina Anne Johnson, Burton’s co-host at the program, shared that she missed some of the pageant’s activities and almost did not make it to the gala because of the 7.8-magnitude earthquake that hit Mindanao earlier this month.

And BPCI will raise funds for earthquake relief operations in Sarangani and other affected areas through the 2026 Bb. Pilipinas National Costume Competition at the New Frontier Theater at Araneta City in Quezon City on July 2. Proceeds from the show will be turned over to the Philippine Red Cross.

Johnson also shared that the 2026 Bb. Pilipinas Grand Coronation Night will have performances from P-pop group Alamat, heartthrob Kyle Echarri, and actor-singer Jericho Rosales.

Burton, meanwhile, announced that reigning Miss International Catalina Duque from Colombia and The Miss Globe Chayathanus Saradatta from Thailand will visit Manila for the finals.

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The 2026 Bb. Pilipinas Grand Coronation Night will be held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on July 18. Johnson and Annabelle McDonnell will relinquish their titles to their respective successors at the end of the competition.