On this day, July 19, in 1969, exactly 50 years ago as men were landing on the moon, a Filipina was taking off for the universe. Miss Philippines Gloria Diaz was crowned Miss Universe 1969 in Miami Beach, Florida, making her the first Filipina to win the crown.
1922
On this day, July 19, in 1922, Filipina historian, writer, and journalist Carmen Guerrero-Nakpil was born in Ermita, Manila. From 1967 to 1971, she was the chairperson of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.
She is regarded as the “Grand Old Lady of Public History” for her efforts in bringing history closer to Filipinos through her books and columns in various newspapers from the 1960s to the present.
During her term as NHCP chairperson, the agency endeavored to install historical markers in key historical sites and buildings in the country. She died on July 30, 2018.