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29 March 2024

Janine to Ariella: Miss Philippines misses out on Miss Universe crown

Miss Universe 2013 third runner-up Miss Philippines Ariella Arida. (REUTERS)

Published
By Ajanta Paul

A 25-year-old television presenter, Miss Venezuela, Gabriela Isler, was crowned Miss Universe 2013 in Moscow in a glittering ceremony.

Last year's winner Olivia Culpo placed a diamond crown on the head of Isler, who wore a silver Rhine-stone studded evening dress.

View Gallery: Crowning moment of Miss Universe 2013

But it seems, 3rd runner-up, Miss Philippines Ariella Arida has emerged as the winner among fans.

Miss Philippines Ariella Arida shows creation by British designer Tony Ward at the Fashion Week in Moscow, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2013. (AP)

Before the competition began Ariella Arida was the hot favourite to win the crown.

During the final question-answer round Arida was asked by a judge, "What can be done about lack of jobs for young people around the world?"

She replied, "We should invest in education. That is my primary advocacy. Through it we can land good careers in the future. It is the ticket to a better future."

Ariella Arida during her national dress round.

Her response met with thunderous support from the audience.

The 24-year-old chemistry graduate had already won the Miss Ice Princess photo shoot and has been applauded for her pre-pageant activities.

However, during the Miss Universe national costume show, Miss Philippines disappointed fans for her traditional terno dress. Even her yellow, off shoulder evening gown was not impressive enough.

It seems likes the Miss Universe crown is playing hide and seek with Miss Philippines.

Miss Philippines, Janine Tugonon, stands on stage during the 2012 Miss Universe Pageant at Planet Holywood in Las Vegas, Nevada on December 19, 2012. Eighty-nine countries and territories are participating in this year's pageant. (AFP)

Last year Miss Philippines Janine Tugonon emerged first runner up at the Miss Universe 2012 Christmas-themed pageant that took place at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

According to social media commentators Janine gave the best reply and was the more deserving one then Miss USA Olivia Culpo.

Miss Philippines, Janine Tugonon, stands on stage with other Miss Universe contestants during the 2012 Miss Universe Pageant at Planet Holywood in Las Vegas, Nevada on December 19, 2012.  Eighty-nine countries and territories are participating in this year's pageant.   (AFP)

It was also the third consecutive year that a Filipina has made the Miss Universe Top 5.

Responding to a question by Nigel Barker sent in via Twitter, Tugonon was asked: “As an international ambassador, do you believe that speaking English is a pre-requisite to be Miss Universe”.

 

Miss Philippines, Janine Tugonon (R) speaks during the 2012 Miss Universe Pageant at Planet Holywood in Las Vegas, Nevada on December 19, 2012.  Eighty-nine countries and territories are participating in this year's pageant.  (AFP)

Her answer was, “For me, Miss Universe is not about being able to speak a specific language, it’s about being able to influence and inspire other people. No matter what language you speak as long as you have the heart and a strong mind you can become Miss Universe.”

There was uproar in social networking sites after Janine was declared 1st runner-up. Many claimed that the results were rigged.

This year hopes were pinned on Ariella Arida and everyone hoped she would break the jinx.

Miss Philippines, Megan Young (R) wears the crown after winning the new Miss World title over 126 beauty contestants in the Miss World 2013 finals in Nusa Dua, in Indonesia's resort island of Bali on September 28, 2013. (AFP)

After Miss Philippines Megan Young won the Miss World 2013 title fans had renewed hopes that Arida might bring the Miss Universe crown home.

Even after the loss Ariella Arida enjoys massive support from fans on Twitter.


Miss Philippines Ariella Arida

Ashi Kabayoti: "Congratulations Ariella Arida, Miss Universe 2013 3rd runner-up! You brought the shine after worst Typhoon Yolanda." (Sic)

Manuel lumba: "Congratulations. Ariella Arida is Miss Universe 3rd runner-you bring much honor to the country. Better than congressmen or senators or..." (Sic)

Jennifer A. Gella: "#Ariella Arida the true essence of beauty. Wow most likes, natural beauty, awesome and such an exotic. Got it!" (Sic)

RainbowPrideXclusive: "Only Philippines, Ariella Arida is the only contestant who makes the effort to speak in English Q&A part." (Sic)

Sheila Pascua:
"Congratulations Miss Universe 2013 3rd Runner-up Ariella Arida :-) We are proud of you!" (Sic)

Aljon Bonifacio Cruz:
"Sister Ariella Arida brought the rainbow after the super typhoon." (Sic)

Favradio.FM: "Ariella Arida VS interpreters call me sore loser but she deserves the crown."

Mallika: "Thank you Ariella Arida for representing the country and for uniting the Filipinos tonight!"