Ariella Arida says role as MUPH national director helps her uplift women

March 4 ------ Ariella Arida said her role as national director of Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) allows her to celebrate and uplift women all year round, not just during Women’s Month.

Speaking with Inquirer Entertainment during the recent contract signing of MUPH with their official women’s health partner, Arida shared that her experience working closely with candidates has deepened her belief in women’s empowerment. “Women’s empowerment, I’m so happy that we keep on celebrating it even if it’s not Women’s Month, especially with MUPH,” she said. “It made me believe more in women and helping each other, especially in this kind of competition.”

Arida emphasized that while pageants are often seen as arenas of rivalry, she has witnessed how candidates learn from and uplift one another. “People think you’re competitors with each other, but you know what, you will get the biggest learning from each other,” she said. “Here in the pageants, it helps the girls bring the best out of each other.”

Now in her second year as MUPH national director, Arida described the journey as both exciting and challenging. She admitted that the transition into leadership came with “mixed emotions.” “During the first year, I still needed to adapt, to adjust, but then the people around me really helped me so much. So it’s more fun; of course, there are challenges, but it’s part of the process, it’s part of the growth,” she said. “Being in this position, I learned so much, and it helps me grow as a woman myself.”

Arida also expressed enthusiasm over this year’s batch of delegates, describing them as a mix of “raw faces” and “towering queens.” According to her, the competition will be tough. As for her advice to the delegates, the Miss Universe 2013 third runner-up urged them to give their all in pursuit of their dreams. “You’re here because you’re fighting for your dreams, so make sure it’s definitely worth your journey,” said Arida. Drawing from her own pageant experience, she encouraged candidates “to overcome self-doubt and have fun.”

Fifty-one MUPH delegates are competing to succeed Ahtisa Manalo, who was proclaimed third runner-up in the 74th Miss Universe pageant in Thailand last year. The new queen will compete in the international competition in Puerto Rico later this year.

Source: inquirer.net