Ariella Arida: A Ray Of Sunlight Amid Tragedy Brought By Super Typhoon Yolanda

The Philippines bet in the 2013 Miss Universe beauty pageant finished third runner-up among 86 hopefuls during the grand finale held at the Crocus City Hall, on Saturday. The Nation had a ray of sunlight amid the dark clouds of catastrophe brought by Super Typhoon Yolanda.

Here are her accomplishments at the contest:

1. Arida was the only contestant from the final five who answered in English. The rest of the contestants needed their respective translators to convey their answers.
2. Arida has got the highest number of fan votes.
3. She made it up to the top 5 contestants.
4. Ariella Arida has already won the Miss Ice Princess photo shoot and has been applauded for her pre -pageant activities.
5. Arida is already on the list of International beauty experts to win the Miss Universe crown.
6. What has really impressed the judges about Arida is her stage presence and beauty.
7. Ariella Arida has impressed Russian superstar Emin during the practice for the contest's grand finale
8. Miss Philippines, Ariella Arida, was one of the 6 contestants chosen to ride the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series.

During the contest's question and answer segment, judge Tara Lipinski asked what can be done about the lack of jobs for young people starting with their careers around the world.

"For the people who have lack of jobs, I do believe that we people should invest in education. And that is my primary advocacy, because if every one of us is educated and we're well aware of what we are doing, we could land into jobs and could land good careers in the future. So, education is a primary source and it is a ticket for a better future," she answered.

"What's so special about the Philippines is the people. There's always Filipino spirit," she said in a taped interview aired after the presentation of the pageant's top 10.

Arida despite her busy schedule she took some time off to send her prayers and thoughts to her fellow Filipinos affected by typhoon Yolanda through a video posted by Missosology on their facebook page.

Emin had all accolades to tell about Arida, who was also a part of the shoot for the music video of his new single "In Another Life" along with Miss Puerto Rico, Miss Poland, Miss Switzerland, Miss Spain and Miss Ukraine.

"People of the Philippines can be proud because they don't just have a beautiful girl, but they have a beautiful actress," he said.

Although she asked for best wishes from her countrymen for the competition yet Arida's heart goes out to the Filipinos affected by super typhoon Yolanda.

"Alam ko naman na no matter what happens, tayong mga Pilipino, positive parin at makakayanan natin 'to. Be strong, and just keep on praying kasi andiyan si God. Mas malaki siya kaysa sa mga problemang kinakaharap natin ngayon," Arida said.

"I am super happy. I am happy with my performance and my experience here in Russia," Arida said. "I just hope I was able to make my fellow Filipinos back home happy somehow, especially after what they have just gone through." Arida told The STAR after the pageant's finale

"She did her best. I personally expected that she could get the crown. Still, we are happy for her," In an interview on ANC, Arida's mentor Jhune Katigbak said that she should have been given more credit for answering in English.

Arida's fans took to social media to express their discontent on the final results.

"Still proud of Ariella Arida. But come on, 2 years in a row that the #philippines got robbed of the crown. #MissUniverse2013,"Jais tweeted.

"YOU PROVED ME WRONG #AriellaArida. Youre so great. That fierce twirl walk and that answer. Honestly, you own that crown. #PhilippinesMU2013," Farlash Pancho tweeted.

"Only Philippines didn't have an interpreter. say whuuut #AriellaArida," Angela wrote.

"We've been Robbed!! Booooooooo!!! You're still the winner and you gave the best answer!! We're very proud!! #MissUniverse2013 #AriellaArida," another fan, Absolute Paris noted.

"Why @realDonaldTrump ?!? Ariella Arida was the only one who answered the question and she was radiant in her evening gown!!! Why?!?" Jet Valle tweeted.

Ariella Arida indeed shines even without Universe crown, for her people, most importantly.

Watch the video below:

Ariella Arida and Janine Tugonan on Typhoon Yolanda (Message)

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