Miss U tilt: Pinoys root for Ariella

MOSCOW – Filipinos are hoping to bag a second international beauty title in one year as Ariella Arida competes in the 62nd Miss Universe beauty pageant in this city.

Organizers yesterday promised “to impress the entire planet” in the coronation night to be broadcast live from the Crocus City Hall here at 10 p.m. today (2 a.m. Sunday Manila time).

“Viewers can expect to witness an extravagant production complete with typical Russian scenery: glittery and color-changing onion-shaped domes,” said Emin Agalarov, vice president of Crocus Group, the event organizer.

“An event of this scale can be compared to the Olympics, Formula-1 or Eurovision,” Agalarov said. 

The Miss Universe pageant has been held annually since 1952 and this is the first time that it is being held in Russia. 

From a simulated snowfall during the swimsuit competition to an elegantly ornamented Palace Grand Ballroom setting during the evening gown event, a local cameraman told The STAR during the preliminaries, “This is the most beautiful stage we’ve had for international beauty pageants in recent years.”

The 86 Miss Universe candidates, meanwhile, are busy preparing for the big night. The Philippines’ representative, Ariella Arida, is said to be among the favorites to win the crown.

In pre-pageant events, Arida was constantly pinpointed for various engagements and privileged appearances. 

These extra gigs may have required more time and effort from Arida but the 25-year-old chemistry graduate of the University of the Philippines-Los Baños said, “As soon as I see my Filipino fans cheering for me, I forget all the fatigue.”  

She earlier told The STAR how her countrymen have inspired her, as they always remain positive despite all the hardships and calamities they have to face.   

Major categories

The Miss Universe contestants will compete in three categories: the swimsuit competition, evening gown competition and interview portion.

An estimated one billion television viewers are expected to watch the pageant finals from all over the world, making it one of the highest-rated live events.  

The telecast concludes with Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo passing on to her successor the Diamond Nexus crown, which is set with 1,371 gemstones and features synthetic rubies to represent Miss Universe’s HIV/AIDS education and awareness platform. 

The 2013 Miss Universe will also be photographed in the newly unveiled Italian-designed Yamamay swimsuit – a one-of-a-kind emerald, ruby and diamond swimsuit valued at a million dollars.