The Curious Case Of Miss Universe Philippines Ariella Arida

Everyone is still ecstatic about Mutya Datul’s win in Belarus, and Filipino pageant fans all over the world are abuzz about the upcoming Miss World 2013, where our very own Megan Young is considered one of the front runners, possibly giving the Philippines a back-to-back international title. On the sidelines, the ever-so-watched and most beloved international beauty pageant in our country, Miss Universe (considered the most prestigious), isn’t making much noise—even our very own Miss Universe Philippines, Ariella Arida, who will be competing in Moscow in November to hopefully continue our country’s three-year Top 5 streak in the pageant, isn’t getting the hype. We all know that Ara has a very tough mission to accomplish, and at the moment, not everyone is happy about her progress. I would like to think that it’s a strategy on her part to keep a low profile prior to the pageant, but the pictures bubbling up every now and then are producing polarizing opinions from Filipinos and non-Filipino pageant fans alike.

Let’s take a moment to rewind and trace the evolution of Ara’s appearance, beginning with her first participation in a national pageant, Miss Philippines Earth 2012. Ara represented the Municipality of Alaminos, Laguna, during the 2012 edition of Miss Philippines Earth, but unfortunately, she didn’t secure a win. Nevertheless, Ara exuded a radiant freshness during her time in the competition—though her physique might not have been as toned back then, her facial beauty was already remarkable!

I believe that in 2012, Ara didn’t exude the same flirty vibe she showcased during this year’s Binibining Pilipinas pageant.

Now, fast forward to this year’s Binibining Pilipinas: Ara remained somewhat under the radar during the Binibining Pilipinas Gold edition. I found myself favoring heavy favorites like Elima, De Leon, Datul, and even Apuad over her, and she didn’t even make it into any of my hot picks—which leaves me pondering. Am I perhaps biased, or simply overlooking her? I suppose it’s a bit of both. However, after witnessing her live performance at the Araneta Coliseum, Ara skyrocketed to the top of my hot picks—almost like a zero-to-hero transformation. On coronation night, she proved exceptional, and in hindsight, she may have been the most consistently outstanding contestant throughout the entire competition.

Now, that is what I call non-stop perseverance from her. Despite not winning any titles or awards during the 2012 Miss Philippines Earth, she still gained valuable experience that would catapult her to the most prestigious national beauty title: Miss Universe Philippines.

Let’s now look at the present Ara

In your opinion, is she improving, or is she undergoing a Benjamin Button transformation, where she isn’t getting any better? In my honest opinion, I believe our girl is steadily progressing. Despite the presence of numerous super-goddess delegates in this year’s Miss Universe edition, I trust the team behind her—who have nurtured Venus, Shamcey, and Janine—won’t settle for anything less. There’s something she is keeping from us; I can sense it in my bones. Let’s rally behind her and give her all the support she needs. Good luck, Ara! FOR THE PHILIPPINES!

photo via Missosology / Opmb /BbPilipinas/ Miss Philippines Earth