Miss Philippines Ariella Arida charmed her way through the Miss Universe National Costume pre-pageant show on November 4 (Manila time) at the Vegas Shopping Center in Moscow, Russia.
The country’s bet wore a golden terno featuring the famous butterfly sleeves. The upper body in a traditional beadwork came with a metallic and flowing skirt. Big feathers pinned on her hair completed her ensemble.
Arida raved over her National Costume. In an interview with ABS-CBN News, she said it was good enough to wear in the gown competition. I love the color. It looks good on the stage.”
Arida also shone in other pre-pageant activities. She bagged the Ice Princess title in the glam shoot photograph category on November 1.
Arida stood out from the field of 86 candidates in her glam shot taken by photographer Fadil Berisha. The shoot featured the Yamamay Italian swimwear and lingerie line.
A quote from Pep.ph said Berisha was impressed by Arida, who transformed from sweet and exotic to fashion model look.
“In this glam shot, Arida transformed from her exotic sultry look into a high class fashion model,” Berisha said. “From her frizzy mane to her pout and down to her skin stone, Ara Arida is a force to be reckoned with as she can transform from different looks as long as she wishes.”
The photographer predicted that Arida could win this year’s title.
“She’s now a major favorite for the crown and if she continues to wow the judges, she could be the next to wear the Nexus crown,” Berisha said.
Runners-up in the Ice Princess category were Miss Spain who won 1st runner up, Miss Great Britain (2nd), Miss South Africa (3rd), and Miss Australia (4th).
Arida’s “Truth or Dare” video for the beauty pageant garnered over 150,000 hits, the highest among the Miss Universe candidates.
To the question “What do you miss most about being a kid?” Arida answered, “Being fearless, young and carefree.” for her dare, she was asked to act like a chicken. Without flinching, she began to imitate a chicken’s clucking.