How to help Ariella get into the Miss U finals

MANILA, Philippines - Here’s a reminder from Funfare’s “beauty-watcher,” Aces & Queens member Gerry Diaz, how to help our bet Ariella Arida (photo, in national costume during the Parade of Nations) get into the finals of the 2013 Miss Universe pageant, with the coronation night set for Saturday, Nov. 9, in Moscow (Sunday, 2 a.m., Nov. 10 Manila Time):

“Our kababayan may not be aware that even if Ariella tops the Miss U voting in the Philippines, it will only be counted as one,” said Gerry. “For her to get an automatic entry into the semis, Ariella should top or at least score high in the voting in other countries as well. With millions of Filipinos around the world, they should vote 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, 2012 Miss Universe first runner-up Janine Tugonon will be visible during the pageant while she does the chore assigned to 2011 Miss Universe third runner-up Shamcey Supsup — that is, doing behind-the-scenes info and updates and interviews, which can be seen on www.missuniverse.com.