Díaz continued acting in film for many years before trying out starring in television. It was in 1996 when she first appeared in the drama series "Anna Karenina". She garnered popularity after appearing in the sitcom "Kool Ka Lang" on GMA Network in 1998. That same year, she appeared in the biopic film "Jose Rizal" where she played Rizal's mother Dona Teodora Alonso. Her portrayal of Rizal's mother won a Best Supporting Actress award at the 1998 Metro Manila Film Festival.