Filipino beauties who conquered Miss Universe Pageant

Philippines have won the Miss Universe title twice already back in 1969 and in 1973. In 1969, 19-year-old Gloria Maria Aspillera Díaz, an eighteen year old Miss Philippines won the first title for the country. She was the third Asian to win the title. The pageant that time was held in Miami Beach, Florida, USA.

Gloria Diaz, Miss Universe 1969

The second Filipina who won the Miss Universe title is Miss Margarita Moran in 1973. The Miss Universe 1973 pageant was held at the 2,000-year-old amphitheatre of Odeon of Herodes Atticus, at the foot of the Acropolis in Athens, Greece. Margarita Moran, was also picked as Miss Photogenic during the preliminary judging.

Margarita Moran, Miss Universe 1973

Other beauties who represented the country and awarded runner ups and received special awards were:

• Miss Philippines Universe Vida Valentina Doria - 1971 Miss Photogenic
• Miss Philippines Universe Maria Margarita Moran - 1973 Miss Photogenic
• Miss Philippines Universe Ailleen Damiles - 1996 Miss Photogenic
• Miss Philippines Universe Abbygale Arenas - 1997 Miss Photogenic
• Miss Philippines Universe Gionna Cabrera - 2005 Miss Photogenic
• Miss Philippines Universe Lia Andrea Ramos - 2006 Miss Photogenic
• Miss Philippines Universe Anna Theresa Licaros - 2007 Miss Photogenic

Interesting fact: Philippines has the most number of candidates who won the Miss Photogenic award.

1. Philippines (7)- 1971, 1973, 1996, 1997, 2005, 2006, 2007
2. Puerto Rico (5)- 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
3. England (5)- 1959, 1962, 1976, 1979, 1988
4. Spain (3)- 1984, 1993, 2000
5. Italy (3)- 1960, 1964, 1986

In 2008, for the first time since the award's inception, no Miss Photogenic Award was given.

• Miss Philippines Universe Charlene Gonzalez - 1994 Best Hair/Style Award(tie with Miss Belgium); Best National Costume; Top 6 Finalist
• Miss Philippines Universe Mirriam Quiambao - 1999 1st Runner-Up