Ariella is okay with the Latina beauties

It turns out that the brouhaha over Ariella Arida’s comment about Latin beauties not being able to speak good English, which was perceived to be “off tangent” and generated a social-media debate, hasn’t at all affected with her relationship with Latinas competing with her and 85 other hopefuls in the 2013 Miss Universe pageant in Moscow grand finals on Nov. 9; Manila Time Nov. 10, aired live by ABS-CBN).

In fact, Ariella is friendly with everybody, according to Funfare’s New York-based “beauty expert” who even sent photos as “proofs.” On behalf of the Bb. Pilipinas Charities, Inc. (BPCI), PR girl Tessa Mangahas also did the same.

Reports from Moscow are conflicting.

Felix said that Ariella is making heads turn “even if, at 5’8”, she may not be as tall as the other candidates” and she doesn’t even make any effort, “unlike other candidates,” for her to be noticed.

“Ariella’s Fadil Berisha glam shot is one of the most talked-about,” added Felix. “As of now, she’s one of the top favorites to win, including bets from Spain, USA, Russia, Israel, Australia and Ukraine. The Filipinos in Moscow are all-out in their support for Ariella. They said that Ariella is not suplada and she signs autographs and poses for photos with them.”

Tessa said that Ariella is gushing over her meeting with reigning Miss Universe Olivia Culpo during the rehearsal for the Tony Ward fashion show.

“Olivia is gorgeous,” Tessa quoted Ariella as saying. “It was also a thrill to be a part of the show for the Fashion Week in Russia sponsored by Mercedes Benz. All the pieces we wore were elegant and classy. I never imagined I missed walking the runway that much.”

What’s up?

= Ramon “RJ” Jacinto is inviting Beatlemaniacs (this one included) to tune in to rffm100.3 on Nov. 1, All Saints Day, from 6 a.m. to 12 midnight for a comprehensive notes on the background of 100 Beatles recordings. The whole day, RJ will be playing only Beatle songs. Spread the word.

=I just got the news from colleague Edgar Cruz that the book of Caroline Kennedy, the ex-wife of Bencab, has been adapted by Andrew Lloyd Webber as a musical and will open in a month’s time.

=A lot of people were puzzled why Phoemela Barranda decided to reveal that she has a 14-year-old daughter (by her high-school boyfriend) in last Sunday’s edition of Buzz ng Bayan. According to Boy Abunda who interviewed Phoemela, even Phoemela’s mother didn’t know that “secret” which Phoemela could no longer keep. “She wanted some kind of liberation and to make up for lost time,” said Boy. “She wants to spend more time with her daughter without hiding from anybody.” Actually, Phoemela’s being an unwed mother has been an open secret in showbiz.

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