Ariella Arida knows the power of transformation. From being crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2013 to securing a top-four finish on the global stage, she has lived through the triumphs and pressures of pageantry. Now, as the newly-appointed national director of Miss Universe Philippines, she is stepping into an even greater role — one that allows her to shape not only the competition but also the lives of the women who enter it.

For Ariella, pageantry extends far beyond the pursuit of a crown. It is a journey of self-discovery, personal growth and resilience. She envisions a competition that nurtures contestants holistically, ensuring they emerge not only as strong contenders but also as confident women ready to face the world beyond the stage. 

Her mission is clear: to restore the Philippines’ dominance in global pageantry while equipping each contestant with the confidence and skills needed for life beyond the runway.

A natural evolution

Even before stepping into this leadership role, Ariella was no stranger to Miss Universe Philippines. She was part of the judging panel in 2020, an experience that took place under strict safety protocols due to the pandemic. The challenges of the time did not deter her from witnessing the organization’s commitment to excellence.

“Actually, it was a fun experience because we were in a bubble during the pandemic. Imagine that,” she recalls. “But I was so proud of the organization; they were able to do it despite that situation.”

Her continued involvement in the organization made her a natural choice for national director. Though the opportunity came as a surprise, she embraced the challenge wholeheartedly.

“At first, I was overwhelmed because of how big the role is,” she admits. “But I was also confident and excited.”

She credits Miss Universe Philippines president Jonas Gaffud and executive vice president Voltaire Tayag for their unwavering support, which gave her the confidence to step into the role.

“I’m confident that I have these people behind my back, and I appreciate when people believe in your ideas.”

More than just glamor

Ariella’s approach to pageantry is rooted in holistic development. Beyond the glitz and glamor, she wants contestants to be prepared mentally and emotionally, not just physically.

“They [the organization] already have the structure, the organization and the dynamics. The delegates need someone they can look up to.”

She is committed to being hands-on with the contestants, monitoring their progress and well-being. To her, a true beauty queen is not just defined by her looks but by her strength, resilience, and character.

Ariella also emphasizes the importance of self-reliance. While stylists and makeup artists can enhance a contestant’s appearance, she believes true beauty comes from self-awareness and confidence.

“You need to learn how to make yourself beautiful and how to handle yourself, especially in difficult situations.”

Turning flaws into strengths

Ariella’s own experiences with self-doubt fuel her passion for mentorship. She understands the struggle of insecurity and self-judgment, having faced these challenges herself.

She candidly shares how she once grappled with self-consciousness and was overly critical of her own appearance.

“But power starts within you. If you accept who you are and you accept your flaws and you’re well aware of them, then no one has the power to say bad things about you because you already accepted who you are. That’s where confidence comes in.”

Her message to contestants is clear: embrace what makes you unique and use it to your advantage.

“Use those flaws to become your power. Your weakness would be your strength.”

Recognizing that self-acceptance is not always easy, she encourages contestants to build a strong support system outside of pageantry — one that keeps them grounded and reminds them of their true worth.

Striking the right balance

Ariella understands the importance of balance, having transitioned from an academic background to the world of pageantry. She advises contestants to stay connected to their roots and maintain relationships outside the industry.

“I came from an academic world before the pageant came in,” she says. “I learned how to balance life, how to train, but at the end of the day I meet with my core friends, my family. They would balance me and bring me back to where I started.”

She warns that without a strong sense of self, contestants can easily be consumed by the pressures of competition.

“If you don’t have that balance, you can get lost in the system.”

Under her leadership, Miss Universe Philippines aims to provide a transformative experience. She wants contestants to leave with more than just lessons — they should walk away with cherished memories.

“You want them to leave the pageant with good memories. You want them to have fun memories in Miss Universe Philippines.”

Reflecting on her own journey, she recalls witnessing Pia Wurtzbach’s determination and perseverance before she won Miss Universe.

“I’ve seen how she really wanted it so bad.”

For Ariella, the ideal representative is not just someone with the drive to win but also someone who remains grounded and humble.

“I need that balance in our queens — the heart, the passion, the resilience, but also the kindness and humility.”

Confidence within

In an era where social media engagement often dictates self-worth, Ariella reminds contestants that confidence is not measured by likes and shares.

“The number of likes, shares and comments don’t really matter. It’s not real. It’s nice to have, and it boosts confidence, but confidence doesn’t really come from the people around you but within you.”

Despite her composed and confident image, Ariella openly acknowledges her own struggles with mental health. She has faced personal battles but has learned to navigate them through faith and support from those around her.

“I’m just thankful for this journey I have gone through. For sure, I would face more challenges. But life experiences taught me how to deal with these.”

For Ariella, faith has been an anchor. “Praying calms you, it makes you peaceful.”

As she embarks on this new chapter, her vision is clear: to bring the Philippines back to the top of the pageant world while fostering a culture of empowerment and positivity.

“Hopefully, this year we get the best representative to win our fifth Miss Universe crown.”

But beyond winning titles, she wants every contestant to leave the stage with confidence, resilience, and a belief in themselves.

“Let’s welcome love, positivity,” she says. “Let’s spread kindness, the right energy, and lift each other up.”