Ariella Arida
Filipino actress and model (born 1988)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ariella "Ara" Hernandez Arida (Tagalog: [aɾˈjɛlɐ hɛɾˈnɐndɛs ɐˈɾida]; born November 20, 1988) is a Filipino beauty pageant titleholder, actress, and model, who was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2013. She represented the Philippines at the Miss Universe 2013 competition where she placed as the third runner-up.
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Ariella Arida | |
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Arida in 2025 | |
| Born | Ariella Hernandez Arida November 20, 1988 |
| Education | University of the Philippines Los Baños (Chemistry) |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m)[1] |
| Beauty pageant titleholder | |
| Title | Miss Universe Philippines 2013 |
| Hair color | Black |
| Eye color | Brown |
| Major competitions |
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Following her career in pageantry, Arida has starred in the films Coming Home (2020) and Sarap Mong Patayin (2021). In 2025, she became the national director of the Miss Universe Philippines Organization for training and development.
Early life and education
Ariella "Ara" Hernandez Arida was born in Alaminos, Laguna, Philippines, to academics Arlesito Arida of Alaminos, and Estella Arida (née Hernandez) of San Pablo.[2][3][4] She is a graduate of the University of the Philippines Los Baños with a degree in chemistry.[5][6][7] She is a member of Iglesia ni Cristo.[7] Prior to her career in pageantry, Arida was trained under Aces and Queens.[8]
Pageantry
Miss Philippines Earth 2012
Arida competed at the Miss Philippines Earth 2012 where she did not place.[9][10][11][12]
Binibining Pilipinas 2013
Arida competed at the Binibining Pilipinas 2013 pageant held in the Smart Araneta Coliseum on April 14, 2013. She would advance to the top 15 and win the award for Best in Swimsuit.[13][14] During the question and answer portion, she was asked: "Name a lesson about life that women can teach men.” In her answer, she emphasized the importance of sensitivity, acknowledging that "men are more logical when it comes to decision[-making]" as women "use our hearts and tend to get emotional in some of our decisions", naming it an attribute that women can teach to men.[15]
At the end of the event, Arida won the Miss Universe Philippines title, being crowned by her predecessor Janine Tugonon, who placed as the first runner-up in Miss Universe in the preceding year.[16][17][18]
At the end of her tenure, Arida crowned Mary Jean Lastimosa as her successor at the Binibining Pilipinas 2014.[19][20]
Miss Universe 2013
Arida represented the Philippines at the Miss Universe 2013 pageant at the Crocus City Hall in Moscow, Russia, on November 9, 2013. She won the 16th spot in the semifinals via the online vote.[21][22] She also bagged the Ice Princess award in the winter-themed glam shot competition.[23][24]
She would advance to the top five question and answer portion, where she was asked "what can be done about the lack of jobs for young people starting their careers around the world?" In her answer, she called for further investments in education, noting it as her primary advocacy and branding education as the "primary source and ticket to a better future".[25]
Arida finished as third runner-up to Gabriela Isler of Venezuela.[26][27][28] Her finish marked the Philippines's fourth consecutive year in the top five. Arida was also the only delegate representing an Asian country to place in the Top 5.[29][22]
Post-pageantry
Arida was designated as the national director of the Miss Universe Philippines pageant on February 16, 2025, after her predecessor, Shamcey Supsup-Lee, launched a bid for councilor in the 2025 Pasig local elections.[30][31] The pageant announced that Arida's role as national director will place emphasis on the training and development of its competitors, starting in that year's edition.[32]
Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Coming Home | Mercy Dungca | Supporting role | [33] |
| 2021 | Sarap Mong Patayin | Krista | Main role | [34] |
