Although we respect free speech and artistic expression, we do not condone or perpetuate derogatory language.
POSTING GUIDELINE: If the commenter is extremely abusive, uses excessive foul language, or includes an ad hominem attack,
the forum administrator may decide to ban the commenter's IP address.
MANILA, Philippines – She spoke of sensitivity and how women like her use the heart to make decisions. And perhaps, it was all that mattered at the end of the night as Ariella Arida, a self-described average person, was crowned Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2013 last night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
Arida, who hails from Laguna and is a Chemistry graduate at the University of the Philippines, had already won Best in Swimsuit earlier in the night. During the question and answer portion, she was asked by Philippine National Police Chief Allan Purisima what lesson in life women can teach men.
“One lesson in life that women can teach men is being sensitive,” Arida answered. “We all know that men are more logical when it comes to decisions. They are usually more rational and straightforward. Unlike women, we use our hearts and we tend to get emotional in some of our decisions. Sensitivity is something that we women can teach to men.”
Arida would later reveal that she felt lucky that she was asked that question because it was one of many that she had already prepared for.
Her own sensitivity was on display backstage after the pageant as Arida shared her feelings.
“Hindi pa din mag-sink-in sa akin that I got this crown,” Arida said. “When I saw my mom, she told me ‘hindi ko akalain'. From a different kind of life I used to have—I used to go to school wearing rubber shoes and a laboratory gown—and now here I am with the crown, wearing makeup.”
After which, she paused as her eyes darted around the room overwhelmed by all the attention that she and her fellow pageant winners were receiving.
“I’m sorry but it’s my first time being in front of many cameras,” she would then say.
Arida also revealed that when the winners were being called, the only thing she was saying was “Lord please give this to me, give this to me. Everything is all up to you now.”
“Thank God that He gave this to me,” Arida said.
With the title comes the pressure and responsibility of representing the Philippines in this year’s Miss Universe pageant, with the venue and exact date still to be announced. Arida, however, was confident in saying that she is prepared.
“I’ve never been this hardworking in my entire life,” Arida said. “I used to be just an average person, I don’t usually work hard because I would feel depressed if I fail. But during this pageant, I really worked hard physically, mentally, and emotionally. So yes, the pressure, I can handle it, I’m prepared and I’m ready to face all the challenges that will come to me.”
By Dexter Rodrigo Matilla (philstar.com)
Date Posted:23:21:31 04/12/13 Fri
When Janine Tugonon gave her answer to the final question at the 2012 Miss Universe Pageant, millions of Filipinos around the world cheered and thought that they might be witnessing what could have been the most exciting evening in Philippine pageantry in more than 40 years. But much to everyone’s disappointment, Janine had to settle for second place, behind the beautiful Olivia Culpo of good ole USA.
From that moment on, the search for the next Miss Philippines, who can finally bring home the Miss Universe crown back to this country of 7,107 islands (during high tide), began.
The most anticipated pageant in the Philippines is about to take place this Sunday, April 14, 2013. Incidentally, the Binibining Pilipinas Charities Incorporated is celebrating its 50 years of existence and in honor of their golden anniversary, they’ve increased the number of contestants to 50. This year, the pageant attracted high-caliber, well-educated women from all walks of life. Some of these women are highly-successful entrepreneurs, college and graduate students as well as working professionals. There are definite standouts among this group but looking back into the pageant’s history, there is always that element of the underdog rising to the top.
Some of the noteworthy candidates include: 1 – Ria Rabajante, 5 – Sofia Mustonen, 12 – Camille Nazar, 13 – Charmaine Elima, 15 – Pia Wurtzbach, 16 – Cindy Miranda, 17- Carin Ramos, 20 – Bea Rose Santiago, 28 – Mercegrace Raquel, 31 – Ma. Angelica De Leon, 33 – Parul Shah, 36 – Angel May Villafuerte, 39 – Mutya Datul, 41 – Ariella Arida, 43 – Rhea Nakpil and 49 – Herlie Kim Artugue.
But if we have to choose who we think the Philippines should send to the 2013 Miss Universe Pageant, it’s a unanimous vote. It’s 2013…we have to go with candidate number 13, Charmaine Elima! Lucky 13! She is fresh, stunning and looks amazing with or without make-up. She’s elegant, great stage presence and an amazing body. But, what do we know? We’re not experts.
Miss Universe-Philippines: Ariella Arida
Bb. Pilipinas-International: Bea Rose Santiago
Bb. Pilipinas-Tourism: Joanna Cindy Miranda
Bb. Pilipinas-Supranational: Mutya Johanna Datul
1st Runner-Up: Pia Wurtzbach
Date Posted:09:07:47 04/14/13 Sun
Binibining Pilipinas 2013 winners crowned
by Michael Josh Villanueva
MANILA, Philippines - Binibining Pilipinas crowned its 50th batch of beauty queens Sunday night, April 14th, 2013 in a star studded golden-anniversary celebration held at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
The big winner of the night was Laguna-native Ariella Arida, who was crowned Bb Pilipinas Universe. Other winners included Bea Rose Santiago Bb Pilipinas International, Mutya Johanna Datul Bb Pilipinas Supranational, and Joanna Cindy Miranda Bb Pilipinas Tourism. Pia Wurtzbach was 1st runner up.
Special awards were also handed out to the following.
Miss Friendship, Binibini 21. Lourenz Grace Remetillo.
Miss Talent, Binibini 10. Anna Carmela Aquino.
Best in National Costume, Binibini 37 Alaine Baccay.
Manila Bulletin Readers' Choice Award. Binibini 22. Ellore Noelle Punzalan.
Bb Petron, Binibini 16 Joanna Cindy Miranda.
Miss Photogenic, Binibini 39 Mutya Johanna Datul.
Best in Evening Gown: #39 Mutya Johanna Datul
Best in Swimsuit: #41 Ariella Aridaby
Bb Pilipinas-PAGCOR: #45 Imelda Schweighart
Bb Philippine Airlines, Bb 4 Nicole Kim Donesa
Bb Avon, Bb 20 Bea Rose Santiago
Bb San Miguel Zero Fit and Sexy Body, Bb 15 Pia Wurtzbachby
Cream Silk Beyond Beautiful Woman Award, Bb 16 Joanna Cindy Miranda
The Top 15 finalists were:
Bb 41 Ariella Arida
Bb 45 Imelda Schweighart
Bb 39 Mutya Johanna Datul
Bb 34 Grace Yann Apuad
Bb 13 Charmaine Elima
Bb 43 Rhea Nakpil
Bb 46 Amanda Noelle Navasero
Bb 22 Ellore Noelle Punzalan
Bb 20 Bea Rose Santiago
Bb 16 Joanna Cindy Miranda
Bb 12 Camille Carla Nazar
Bb 31 Maria Angelica de Leon
Bb 25 Merry Joice Respicio
Bb 31 Maria Angelica de Leon
Bb 25 Merry Joice Respicio
Bb 15 Pia Wurtzbach
Bb 33 Parul Shah
The journey of Dubai-born Filipina-Indian beauty queen Parul Shah to the Miss Philippines pageant took a heartwarming twist on Friday.
Ever since tabloid! published a story on Thursday about how Shah’s Dubai-based parents couldn’t afford to travel to Manila to support her on her biggest night, we’ve been inundated with phone calls from generous readers with offers of help.
Born to an Indian father, a driver, and a Filipina mother who worked as a cleaner, 24-year-old Shah is one of the 50 candidates in the finals of the Binibining Pilipinas, the Philippines’ biggest beauty pageant to be held tonight, which is also celebrating its 50th year.
Subject: Hello Mga aches..arrived in Manila..staying at shangrila..the girls had their rehearsals earlier....met some shondedeyts.....my heart and my soul goes to mutya datul..who hugged me ...she got my vote....titili ako for her....Charmaine is. Beautiful....mindy is a stunner...Parul is. A winner...some girls were short and hmmm ok Lang.....Mariel has doll like face sum...oh my gosh..I forgot to look at her body....rumors there are 4 titles and one first runnerafff...yuan ang pinaktris nila
1) CASSEY NAIDAS: MP UNIVERSE, SUPRANATIONAL
Simply breathtaking, Classy lady had the Height factor, the Body to die for, and good Communication skills.
3) MUTYA DATUL: MI, MTQI
Very pretty, sincere, best assets are her EYES - they smile everytime she talks. After the Primer, I think this girl will stir a revolution in cyberspace if she's not included in the top 10.
4) PIA WURHBACH: MI, SUPRANATIONAL
She pretty, but her beauty doesn't grow in me.
5) ARA ARIDA: MTQI, RU
One of the prettiest filipina face in this batch. But like Pia, her beauty is stagnant.
SPOILERS in Random order:
6) BEA SANTIAGO
7) ALAINE BACCAY...This girl can win one of the crowns.
8) IMELDA S
9) A. GOMEZ...This girl might pull a surprise.
10) HANNAH SISON...articulate, perfect verbal skills.
11) PARUL SHAH
12) CINDY MIRANDA
Thanks to the following: Miss Universe Org., Miss World Org., Miss Earth Org., Miss Philippines Earth Org., Miss International Org., BPCI, Reuter & AP for the photos.