“From queen to mentor!” Miss Universe Philippines officially announced that Miss Universe 2013 third runner-up, Ariella Arida, is the organization’s new National Director for Training and Development.
This year, 69 hopeful delegates will compete for the Miss Universe Philippines 2025 title. However, the official candidates weren’t the only ones introduced during the event, as the pageant organization also introduced its new national director.
On Saturday, February 15, the Miss Universe Philippines organization (MUPH) officially welcomed the beauty queen to their team, stating that “she’s here to help shape the next generation of uniquely beautiful Filipinas.
In a social media post, Ariella expressed her excitement about being entrusted with the role.
“Grateful and ready! Looking forward to an exciting journey ahead. Thank you so much Miss Universe Philippines for the trust and opportunity to serve as a National Director,” she wrote in her caption.
“I’m committed to making a positive impact and helping every woman shine on her path to success as they chase their dreams. Let’s make this year an incredible one! 👑” Ariella added.
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Although it is one big shoe to fill, Ariella said she’s looking forward to making meaningful contributions and helping create a better future for all the amazing candidates.
“I know this is a big shoe to fill in, but not everyone knows that even from the start–on how Miss Universe Philippines started–I was there looking at them. I still get to talk with them. So I’m still involved on what’s happening, and I supported them from the very start,” Ariella said in her speech on her Instagram story.
Meanwhile, the press presentation was graced by other personalities in the pageant realm, like Miss Universe 2011 third runner-up and the pageant organization's national director, Shamcey Supsup-Lee and MUPH President Jonas Gaffud.
In an Instagram post, Shamcey recalled the first few years as the organization’s national director. According to her, challenges piled up during their first year because of the pandemic, but they kept going instead.
Despite this, Shamcey emphasized that she has so much love for Miss Universe Philippines, adding that it is something she would be carrying with her forever.
“I have so much love for Miss Universe Philippines, it’s something I will take with me forever and ever in my heart. So, thank you for the opportunity to be a part of it. Of course, I’ll still be here. I’ll be supporting–I’ll be championing, and good luck to what’s gonna happen next. We’re all excited for that,” she expressed.
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Ariella will follow in the footsteps of Shamcey and Jonas Gaffud.
