Ariella ready to allure the universe

CEBU, Philippines -  Speaking English is not a pre-requisite to winning Miss Universe.

Just like what she answered at the Miss Universe pageant last year, Miss Universe 2012 first runner-up Janine Tugonon reiterated her view and defended Philippines bet Ariella Arida from criticisms of her poor command of the English language.

“Honestly, I’m not that good in English but still I managed to clinch the first runner-up title,” explained Janine. “What they care about is what’s in your heart, your personality, and your stand on certain issues. Knowing Ara, I know she has a good heart and so I’m confident with her interviews.”

Janine, who just finished her two-month acting class in the Los Angeles branch of the prestigious New York Film Academy, believes Ara is a very strong contender and may be the one to finally bring back the Miss Universe crown to the country after 40 years. Margarita Moran last won the title in 1973.

“I believe Ara really has the face and the body. I’ve been seeing her pictures and I love them. She trained hard so i know she’ll do good. I can’t say exactly how she will fare in the competition but with Ara’s beauty, which for me is very Filipina, I think she stands a good chance because they love Filipina beauty,” said Janine.

The preliminary round of judging for Miss Universe has already begun. After the closed door preliminary interview, Ariella was recently adjudged wearing her national costume, alongside 85 other candidates, in the National Costume competition held in Vegas Mall.

Filipinos around the world can help Ariella get an automatic entry into the semis by voting for her. Here’s how: Log on to www.missuniverse.com or www.telemundo.com and follow the instructions on how to vote and enter registration details. To register, you will need to provide your e-mail address, confirm you are 16 or older, and confirm acceptance of the voting terms and conditions. After you register, rate the contestants 1 to 10, 1 being the lowest and 10 being the highest if done correctly, and you will get a message on your screen. Voting is until Nov. 8, one day before the grand finals.

Meanwhile, Tugonon will be visible during the pageant while she does the chore assigned to 2011 Miss Universe third runner-up Shamcey Supsup, which is to deliver behind-the-scenes info and updates and interviews, which can be seen on www.missuniverse.com.

This year’s Miss Universe will be crowned this Sunday (Nov. 10) in Crocus City Hall in Moscow, Russia. The show will be hosted by Thomas Roberts of “MSNBC Live” and Mel B of “America’s Got Talent.” Watch it live on Velvet Channel at 2 a.m. with a delayed telecast on ABS-CBN at 9 a.m. and a primetime replay at 10 p.m.