Celebs weigh in on Ariella’s 3rd runner-up finish in Miss Universe

MANILA, Philippines – Ariella Arida may have finished fourth in the Miss Universe 2013 pageant held in Moscow, Russia on Saturday, Nov. 9 (Sunday, Nov. 10 Manila time), but Filipino and local stars on social media believe the 24-year-old native from Alaminos, Laguna deserves the crown.

The title of Miss Universe this year went to Miss Venezuela, Gabriella Isler.

READ: Ariella Arida takes 3rd runner up in Miss Universe 2013

Hashtags #cheerforariela and #MU2013 were top trending topics on Twitter Philippines during the pageant.

“Miss Philippines looks virginal among a sea of sexy Latinas! \uD83D\uDE07 Unique & a stand out! Iba talaga ang beauty ng Pinay!” said Ruffa Gutierra, herself a former Miss World contestant.

She added, “Hindi ako nagsisi na gumising, bumangon & nakicheer for #missphilippines2013.  @araarida we've never met but you make us proud! Congrats!”

“Boooooo!!!!!!!!” Vice Ganda said upon the announcement that Ariella was the competition’s third runner-up.

“Dapat si Napoles na lang ang interpreter nung mga kalaban ni Ariela para lahat sila ang sagot “Di ko po alam!” Sure win na Philippines nun!” the Kapamilya comedian said on his Twitter account.

“3rd runner is not bad. Congrats @araarida,” tweeted comedian John Lapus. “Mabuhay Philippines!!”

Even radio and TV personality Mo Twister took to social media to support Ariella. It can be remembered that Mo slammed the Pinay beauty queen over a statement she made about the English-speaking skills of Latinas. Incidentally, Ariella is the only contestant in the top five not to use an interpreter during the pageant’s question and answer portion.

“Let’s go Ms. Philippines!” the controversial celebrity said.

“There is rainbow after the rain. There is a crown after the storm! Congratulations Ara Arida!!! We are so proud of you #filipina,” TV host Mariel Rodriguez posted on her Instagram account.

Meanwhile, Jonas Gaffud, Ariella’s manager and beauty queen mentor, thanked the Pinay beauty queen’s supporters.

VIDEO: Catching up with Bb. Pilipinas-Universe Ariella Arida

“Maraming salamat sa lahat ng sumuporta. Thank you Pinoy supporters, you’re the best!” he said.

Ariella is the fourth consecutive delegate from the Philippines to reach the beauty pageant’s top five. Venus Raj placed fifth in 2010, while Shamcey Supsup placed fourth in 2011.

Janine Tugonon almost won the Miss Universe crown, placing second during the 2012 pageant. This, along with Megan Young’s recent win at the Miss World pageant last August, heightened expectations for Ariella’s performance.