Many people thought the judges should have chosen somebody fairer, with a more aquiline nose, to represent the country in the Miss Universe contest held in Athens. Manila being Manila – this mad, maternal city of our many myths and memories – everybody was jumping at the thought of the city hosting the Miss Universe contest that year. Gloria Diaz who won the Miss Universe in 1969, just when the Americans were landing on the moon. One by one the winners were called, to thunderous applause: Miss Aruba, fourth runner-up; Miss Colombia, third runner-up; Miss Finland, second runner-up. After she was called as the newest Miss Universe, Amparo Muñoz gave the crowd a beatific smile, tears running down her face, ruining her makeup.

Source: Philippine Star May 21, 2021 15:56 UTC