Former Miss Universe Gloria Diaz may be turning 74 on April 5, but she remains every bit the vibrant, confident woman who took home the Philippines’ first Miss Universe crown in 1969.
At a recent media conference for her upcoming horror film ‘Untold’, the timeless beauty candidly opened up about her career, wellness secrets, and her nearly three-decade romance with her younger partner.
Proud and unapologetic, Gloria shared that she has been in a relationship for 28 years with Michael O. de Jesus, a respected banker who currently serves as President and CEO of the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP).
“It’s super good,” Gloria beamed. “He’s younger than me, but you know, he and my former husband, we used to go out together. Sabi ko, I can handle two guys at the same time. Always open your options.”
While the couple has an eight-year age gap, Gloria said it never posed a problem. “The younger man usually adjusts in a relationship if the woman is older. He became older na rin. He became mature. He’s a serious banker,” she added.
Asked if she ever considered marriage again, her response was classic Gloria: “Huwag na. At my age, alangan naman naka-white gown pa ako.”
Gloria was previously married to businessman Gabriel Daza III, with whom she has children, including actress and entrepreneur Isabelle Daza. They eventually separated, and Daza passed away in 1994.
Still, Gloria has no bitterness about her past. “My ex-husband was very good. We were younger and had too many friends. We parted as friends, and he became a better father,” she shared.
“I’m very close to my in-laws. I don’t have any real trauma.”
When asked—playfully—about her sex life, Gloria laughed and quipped, “It’s good! Jellytime! I’m just kidding. That’s my daughters’ business,” referencing her daughter Isabelle’s natural lubricant brand.
As for how she maintains her youthful glow? “By being busy, working, having many friends, of course my children, my apos, my boyfriend. I drink a little wine but more champagne. I exercise. I get massages, steam, and I do my hair, makeup—everything.”
Despite being in the industry for decades, Gloria continues to land major roles. She plays a significant part in ‘Untold’, Regal Entertainment’s latest horror offering starring Jodi Sta. Maria, alongside Juan Karlos Labajo, Joem Bascon, Mylene Dizon, Kaori Oinuma, Sarah Edwards, and Lianne Valentin.
Directed by Derick Cabrido, ‘Untold’ opens in cinemas nationwide on April 30. Gloria praised Regal and the Monteverdes for continuing to trust her with big projects.
“I love the business as it is. A lot of what I have comes from the industry. It has made everything comfortable for me,” she reflected.
Gloria Diaz is living proof that age is just a number—and that love, laughter, and self-love are truly the secrets to staying young.
