Ariella tipped to win Universe crown

MOSCOW – The Philippines’ Ariella Arida is widely tipped to win the Miss Universe pageant in this Russian capital, a wire news agency reported yesterday.

Arida, a 24-year-old Chemistry graduate of the University of the Philippines in Los Baños, got the biggest cheers in Tuesday’s preliminary round of the pageant, together with the candidates of Russia and Mexico, according to Agence France Presse.

“I am really excited and just really having fun,” Arida, who was also mentioned as among the top contenders in various websites, told The STAR. “Having a lot of appointments and gigs has helped because this makes me forget the pressure.”

Ariella said she was grateful and touched by the support not only from Filipinos but also from foreigners.

“This is for my country, for the Filipino people. Filipinos are an inspiration to me since they always remain positive and never stop smiling no matter what happens. I hope to bring them some joy somehow… I am doing my best,” she said.

Tuesday’s preliminary round saw participants strut across the stage first in black and red bikinis and then in sparkling and slinky evening dresses.

Miss Nicaragua Natassja Bolivar bagged the National Costume award together with a $5,000 credit card from Russian Standard Bank at the end of the show.

The contestants chosen as the top 15 among 86 candidates, together with the winner of the Miss Universe online fan vote, will be advancing to the final round on Nov. 9.

Organizers promise the unveiling on Saturday of a million-dollar “emerald, ruby and diamond” swimming costume, which the winner will get to wear.

Judges

Steven Tyler, lead singer of the legendary rock band Aerosmith, will be among the judges and performers during the finals.

American gold medal figure skater Tara Lipinski, Chef Nobu, actress and supermodel Carol Alt, Russian supermodel and actress Anne V, founder of the hair care company Farouk Systems Inc. Farouk Shami, designer of U-BOAT watches Italo Fontana and Russian pop-star Philip Kirkorov are the other judges.

NBC host Thomas Roberts and Melanie Brown, better known as Mel B from the Spice Girls, are this year’s hosts.

The Grammy-nominated band Panic! At the Disco and international recording artist EMIN are the other performers. EMIN earlier filmed a music video with selected Miss Universe candidates, including Arida.

Gender issues

While hardly a trailblazer on gender issues, Miss Universe this year has prompted a row on gay rights.

The show’s initial co-host Andy Cohen, who is openly gay, pulled out in August because of the choice of Russia as the venue.

He criticized a law passed by Russian President Vladimir Putin in June that bars promoting homosexuality in the presence of minors and has prompted international concern that it can be used to crack down on gay pride events.