Ariella Arida talks about the Latinas of Miss Universe 2013

Ariella Arida was asked about the Latina contestants of Miss Universe 2013 during the presscon that was arranged for her upon her arrival in the Philippines.

She became controversial before she flew to Russia for the pageant because of her alleged negative comment about how Latinas cannot speak good English.

People were curious to know if she had any problems with the Latinas because of the controversy. However, it was the other way around.

“Actually close ko si Panama (Carolina Brid), si Spain (Patricia Rodríguez) and Venezuela (Gabriela Isler),” she said in answer to who among the contestants she became friends with. Spain finished 1st runner-up, and Venezuela was crowned as the new Miss Universe during the pageant held November 9 at the Crocus City Hall in Moscow.

Ara also narrated how she reached out and tried to explain her side but the Latinas seemed clueless as to what she was saying.

“Ako, actually, nag-reach out ako ta's parang ewan ako, nag-e-explain ako, hindi nila alam kung ano 'yung sinasabi ko. Parang ganun,” she said.

She admitted she was initially nervous about meeting the Latinas.

“Pagpunta ko do’n, sobrang concerned nga ako baka mamaya galit sila sa akin. Syempre, hindi nila alam kung ano 'yung real story, pero wala, pagpunta ko po doon, ang healthy ng environment,” she said.

Even the 4th runner-up, Miss Brazil Jakelyn Oliveira, who denied being the Twitter user who criticized Ariella for her negative comment, became close to her.

“Actually ako ‘yung lumapit sa kanya because of the Twitter thing. Siya din nag-explain sa akin na hindi totoo ‘yon, na wala siyang Twitter and all,” Ara said.

Aside from Ara, the Top 5 was dominated by Latinas. Miss Ecuador Constanza Baez was 2nd runner-up.

For the past four years, the Philippines has consistently been in the Miss Universe Top 5. Venus Raj was 4th runner-up in 2010, Shamcey Supsup was 3rd runner-up in 2011, and Janine Tugonon was 1st runner-up in 2012.

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