Miss Universe 2013 top contender, Philippines' Ariella Arida, answered criticisms about her poor English skills in an interview before flying to Moscow, Russia where the coronation night will be held.
The 24-year-old beauty from the Philippines is slowly becoming a crowd favorite among the 87 delegates representing their countries for this year's Miss Universe pageant. The most talked-about pageant in the world is known for its intense question and answer category, where candidates will have to shine through in order to nab the crown.
Just before Ariella flew to Moscow to partake in preliminary pageant rounds, she appeared in a national news show in the Philippines for an interview with one of the country's top journalists, Karen Davila. Fans sent in their questions through Twitter, and one asked, "is she our representative to the Miss Universe? It seems like she's having a hard time speaking in English."
Ariella went on to say that she is fully aware that the English language is not her strongest suit. However, the candidate seemed unfazed by the criticism and claims that it's all about self-expression when it comes to beauty pageants. Arida discussed that delegates from other nations can't "even" complete a sentence in English, that's why she feels confident.
"When you get there, it's (on) how your express yourself. Latinas can't even complete a sentence... in English. I think it's (just) the Filipino(s) who are critical. Many of the candidates have a translator. But I know I'm gonna deliver," said Ariella in her interview with ANC.
In order to prepare for the coronation night, Ariella had to undergo numerous trainings to sharpen her communication skills, as well as her projection onstage.
"I got a lot of... feelings especially on my communication skill(s). I'm doing my best to convey my message to the people. Like what I told my trainers, I will do my best in the competition," added the beauty queen in the same ANC interview.
Will the fan favorite emerge victorious despite a proper grasp of the English language? Find out on the pageant's coronation night on November 9, which will be held in Crocus Hall, Moscow.
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