Miss Universe 1969 Gloria Diaz will serve as a member of the judging panel for the upcoming second edition of MGI All Stars. The veteran beauty queen and actress joins an international selection committee for the Bangkok-based competition.
Organizers revealed her inclusion in the lineup on the evening of November 1, prompting fans to quickly welcome the news in the comments section with reactions such as Happy to see her at MGI.
An International Panel Assembles in Bangkok
Gloria Diaz steps into her role alongside a familiar roster of pageant experts and returning judges. She joins Venezuela’s Osmel Sousa, Lebanon’s Omar Harfouch, a returning judge from Thailand, US-based pageant coach Lu Sierra, Shyare Andrade of Ecuador, and Psi Samut Scott.
GLORIA DIAZ JOINS MGI ALL-STARS JUDGESMiss Universe 1969 Gloria Diaz is set to join the judging panel of the second season of Miss Grand International All-Stars.READ: https://t.co/jZWKUm6igF pic.twitter.com/rUP3JBr58x
The competition brings together contestants who have previously competed on an international stage but have yet to capture a crown. Colombia’s Vanessa Pulgarín, who secured the victory during the inaugural competition held in Thailand on May 30, returns to the lineup to defend her title.
The Philippines fields a strong delegation for the upcoming contest. The national lineup features Michelle Marquez Dee, Alexie Caimoso Brooks, and Anne Patricia Lorenzo Diaz.
The Legacy and Lore of a Historic Crown
Gloria Diaz secured her place in history on July 19, 1969, when she was crowned Miss Universe in Miami Beach, Florida, marking the first time a Filipina won the title. Reflecting on her victory during a 2025 interview with Boy Abunda, she admitted she never expected to win the crown, stating, Definitely not,
though she maintained an optimistic outlook during her youth, adding, But I didn’t think I was gonna lose. I mean parang, you don’t naman go into a contest and say, ay naku matatalo ako. Hindi naman ganun ang attitude noon eh. Okay enjoy, I’m sure I’m gonna be okay. Hindi ba ganun ‘yun?
She recalled that the experience served as her first trip away from home and her first time traveling to the United States at just 18 years old, noting, That was the first time I went to the States. I was 18, and be on my own parang ganun, although I had a chaperone. First time to wear heels beside Miss Philippines [pageant],
and explaining her relaxed mindset by observing, When you’re young… it’s like parang go with the flow, that’s why you’re not as tense. I think it is when you’re old and you have a lot of responsibilities. Like now, the girls are a little bit older… parang they are the breadwinners, they have to do this. Eh ako naman, that was my first time away from home so enjoy ako.
Beyond her pageant legacy, Diaz built a prominent career in Philippine entertainment, starring in notable films such as José Rizal, Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo, Sisterakas, and Mallari. Pageant enthusiasts often recall her sharp and witty questioning style during past Q&A segments, a reputation that led some observers to jokingly dub candidates picking her as facing the “Gloria Diaz curse” when they missed out on the crown.
Countdown to the December Coronation
Following the overwhelming demand and success of its inaugural event, MGI All Stars announced its second edition in June, stating, Due to overwhelming demand for MGI All Stars, we are thrilled to announce the launch of MGI All Stars 2nd Edition.
The organization prepares to crown the next winner at the upcoming coronation night.
The event is scheduled for December 12 at the MGI Hall in Bangkok, Thailand. As contestants gather to vie for the title, Diaz and her fellow judges will evaluate the international lineup.
