For most people, the image of a beauty queen is synonymous with poise, grace, and unshakable confidence. But for Ariella “Ara” Arida, Miss Universe Philippines 2013, the journey to the crown was far from a fairy tale. It was a deeply personal transformation shaped by awkward beginnings, public scrutiny, and quiet resilience.

“It was all quite awkward for me. Pageantry was completely outside my comfort zone,” she shares, recalling the first time she stepped onto a pageant stage. Despite undergoing training, nothing truly prepared her for that moment under the spotlight. “They displayed a picture of a log and asked me to speak about it… I experienced a mental block and ended up reciting a Bible verse related to nature.” That moment—both unexpected and humbling—did not stop her. In fact, it marked the beginning of a reign defined by perseverance.

From the outset, Arida knew what she stood for. “I’ve always believed in the transformative power of education,” she says. That belief has remained constant throughout her pageant journey. Rooted in the values instilled by her parents, she found strength in knowing that regardless of the competition’s outcome, she had something solid to fall back on—her Chemistry degree. “Balancing academics and pageantry has enriched my personal growth and broadened my horizons.”

Still, the road to the Miss Universe stage wasn’t without its share of difficult truths. “As pageantry has grown in prominence, it’s disheartening to see how quickly people can judge based on minor missteps,” she confesses. For Arida, the real challenge wasn’t just competition. It was enduring harsh public opinion and unsolicited personal judgments. Yet even this, she turned into fuel. “I’ve learned to distinguish constructive criticism that motivates me to improve… I approached the entire journey with a smile, recognizing it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

In a world that demands perfection, self-doubt often lurks beneath even the most polished surfaces. But Arida’s approach is disarmingly simple. “From the start of the competition, I’ve always been a chill girl, and it works for me,” she says with a light laugh. Her goal when joining Binibining Pilipinas was just to become a semi-finalist. “Then, I was given the Miss Universe Philippines crown.” She credits this relaxed mindset and the quiet confidence of feeling “destined for the crown” with keeping her grounded.

That quiet confidence extended beyond the stage. When asked what she wishes people understood about beauty queens, she speaks with clarity. “Pageantry today is not just about beauty; it’s about being a voice for others, expressing your thoughts, showing compassion, leading, empowering, and facing challenges, all while maintaining grace and composure. That’s the true power of pageantry.”

Representing the Philippines on the global stage only strengthened her resolve. “During one of my interviews, I introduced the tagline #ForThePhilippines… it encapsulated my genuine intent of undertaking this journey not solely for myself but for my country.” With that mantra in her heart, she turned pressure into purpose.

And the lessons stayed with her long after the applause faded. “The most valuable life lessons I’ve learned are, first, to embrace myself deeply, down to my core and soul… Second, it’s essential to always do your best, regardless of the outcome.” For Arida, success isn’t just about the crown. It’s about the journey, the growth, and the ability to inspire others with authenticity.

Even now, her advocacy continues. “Whenever I have the opportunity to speak with young women, especially those participating in local pageants, I share my personal journey on how education played a pivotal role in my transformation and boosted my confidence.” One conversation at a time, she plants seeds of empowerment in others.

In a world that often reduces beauty queens to surface-level admiration, Arida Arida is a testament to something far more enduring—the kind of beauty that grows deeper under pressure, learns from its stumbles, and reigns not with perfection, but with purpose.

Photo Credit: Ariella Arida (with permission to use)