The reigning Miss Universe Philippines 2013, Ariella Arida returned to her homeland on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 after her successful run in the Miss Universe 2013 pageant bagging the third runner-up finish for the country.
Ara Arida (Photo: Ginger Conejero Twitter)
The 24-year-old Ara Arida continued the success of the Philippines in the world’s most prestigious beauty pageant after the county made it to the Final Five for the fourth straight year, since the year 2010.
Ariella Arida was seen wearing a long sleeve sequined blouse as she was welcomed by fans and members of the media during her arrival. The beauty from Alaminos, Laguna is set to hold a homecoming press conference at the Gateway Mall in Quezon City.
The Filipina beauty earlier dedicated her victory to the victims of super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) that hits various provinces in the Visayas. According to Ara, her third runner-up finish is a “blessing in disguise” since winning the Miss Universe crown would mean not being able to return to the Philippines for quite some time.
Ara Arida was quoted as saying that, “Siguro blessing in disguise na rin [na hindi ako nanalo] since may nangyayari sa bansa natin. ‘Pag balik ko, makakatulong ako,” she said in a previous interview. The winner of this year’s Miss Universe was awarded to Miss Gabriela Isler of Venezuela.