GLORIA DIAZ remains to be very busy despite the pandemic.
She did the mini-series “Beauty Queens” on iWant and two seasons of the sitcom “Oh My Dad” on TV5. And now, she’s also in the Regal Entertainment movie currently shown in various streaming channels, “Mommy Issues”.
“I’m so happy and I feel blessed that hindi ako nababakante,” she says. “Actually, mas mahirap mag-taping ngayon because of the health protocols brought about by the pandemic, pero at least, may trabaho pa rin kami.”
What’s her role in “Mommy Issues”?
“I play the mother of comedian Pokwang. I'm against her boyfriend dito, si Ryan Bang. She cannot understand why I’m against Ryan when he is a filthy rich comedian, pero siya rin, against sa boyfriend ng daughter niyang si Sue Ramirez who is played by Jerome Ponce.
"Kaya ‘Mommy Issues’ ang title ng movie kasi the mothers here have issues against their daughters’ love lives.”
She has two daughters in real life, Isabelle and Ava, now both married. Did she ever interfere with their love life?
“No, never. They’re both good kids. Si Belle, hindi mahilig lumabas. Si Ava, when I’m shooting or taping, I’d call, nandiyan na ba si Ava, sinusundo ko talaga siya kasi she has to be home by a certain time.
"We never had mommy issues kasi mababait sila. They don’t even answer back. And now, they’re both happily married because they made good choices.”
Belle is married to French executive Adrien Semblatt and they’re based in Hongkong with their two kids. Ava got hitched only last year to longtime BF Luch Zanirato.
Since she is the country’s very first Miss Universe winner, it can’t be helped if she’s asked about the chances of current candidate Rabiya Matteo in the 69th Miss Universe Pageant that will be held this Sunday, May 16 in a casino at Florida.
“I think she has a good chance as she’s beautiful,” she says. “Alangan naman sabihin kong pangit, di ba? Ang dami kong nakikitang photos niya at maganda naman siya talaga. But she doesn’t really have to do much.
"She just has to have presence of mind and enjoy and savor every second of what’s happening as it’s a once in a lifetime experience. She’s deserving namang manalo but she must remember that, in the pageant, whether you win or lose, it’s just the beginning.”
How would she differentiate Miss Universe now to the time she won in 1969?
“Oh my gosh, it very different, not only by a mile but maybe, 500 miles,” she laughs. “That time, hindi pa masyadong commercial. We never did any ads of alcohol or deodorant or banks.
"The girls are getting taller now, more beautiful, but many of them are older also, may mga 26 or 27 na. I was only 18 years old when I represented our country and won the title in 1969, also in Florida.”
She adds the contestants now are more very serious in what they do.
“When I joined, parang katuwaan lang but now, they are very, very professional. And they are really out there to work. The candidates then were also just 18, 19 or 20 and that really makes a world of difference.
"Also, that time, walang retoke. No one ever went to a plastic surgeon for enhancement.”
