Ariella Arida takes 3rd runner up in Miss Universe 2013

MANILA, Philippines – Ariella Arida is named third runner-up during the Miss Universe 2013 pageant in Moscow, Russia on Saturday, Nov. 9 (Sunday, Nov, 10 Manila time).

Miss Venezuela, Gabriela Isler, is crowned Miss Universe 2013.

Miss Brazil Jakelyne Oliveira was named fourth runner-up, Miss Ecuador Constanza Baez was second runner-up, while Miss Spain Patricia Yurena Rodriguez is first runner-up.

The 24-year-old Pinay beauty queen competed against 85 other delegates.

During the contest’s question and answer portion, 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 said.

Ariella made it to the top 16 via the online social media voting.

“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 competition’s top 10.

Fans early already had high hopes for Ariella, after Megan Young won the Miss World 2013 crown in Jakarta, Indonesia last August.

Pinoy netizens were cheering for Ariella on social media, with the hashtag #cheerforariela trending on Twitter Philippines. Miss Universe-related keywords such as Top 16 and #MU2013 also trended on the micro-blogging site.

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