Ariella Arida admits feeling the pressure amid Miss U and MGI merger

Miss Universe Philippines National Director Ariella Arida expressed her excitement over the unexpected collaboration between the Miss Universe Organization and Miss Grand International.

In an exclusive interview with THE DAILY TRIBUNE on Tuesday, Arida shared her thoughts on the development, calling it a surprising yet welcome change in the world of pageantry.

“We always saw Miss Universe and MGI as competitors, especially in production and overall pageantry. Who would’ve thought they’d join forces? But now, it’s all about love and peace,” she said.

As the newly appointed national director, Arida acknowledged the challenges ahead but remained confident in the organization’s ability to elevate the Miss Universe Philippines pageant to a world-class level.

“It’s definitely a challenge, especially knowing how competitive Thailand is. But we’re ready to take on any competition and continue showcasing the best of the Philippines,” she added.

The Miss Universe Organization, led by Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip, officially announced the partnership on Tuesday, confirming that Nawat Itsaragrisil’s Miss Grand International has acquired the Miss Universe Thailand franchise for 2025-2029.

This marks a major shift in the global pageant landscape following JKN Global Content’s acquisition of Miss Universe in 2022.

The Philippines remains a powerhouse in international pageantry, having produced four Miss Universe winners: Gloria Diaz (1969), Margie Moran (1973), Pia Wurtzbach (2015), Catriona Gray (2018).

With Arida now leading the organization, pageant fans eagerly anticipate the future of Miss Universe Philippines and the country’s bid for another historic win.