Ariella Arida is new Miss Universe Philippines national director

ARIELLA Arida hopes to stamp her own mark on the Miss Universe Philippines Organization (MUPH) now that she is the national director, a development that caught many pageant fans by surprise.

MUPH Executive Vice President Voltaire Tayag announced her new designation at the presentation of the 2025 Miss Universe Philippines delegates held at the Makati Shangri-la on Saturday afternoon, Feb. 15.

INQUIRER.net spoke with Arida after the program and asked how her leadership will be like. “It’s gonna be fun, and hopefully this year we finally get our fifth Miss Universe crown. I’m really manifesting that,” the 2013 Miss Universe third runner-up said.Arida takes over the post after MUPH Pres. Jonas Gaffud concurrently assumed the national directorship for the 2024 edition. Shamcey Supsup-Lee, 2011 Miss Universe third runner-up, held the position since the organization’s first national competition in 2020 until 2023.

“Grateful and ready! Looking forward to an exciting journey ahead. Thank you so much @themissuniverseph for the trust and opportunity to serve as a National Director. I’m committed to making a positive impact and helping every woman shine on her path to success as they chase their dreams. Let’s make this year an incredible one,” she captioned her post on Instagram.

Gaffud and Lee stay on as president and director, respectively. Arida, on the other hand, will focus on “training and development,” as mentioned in a social media post from MUPH.

“From queen to mentor! Welcome to the Miss Universe Philippines family, Ara Arida! [crown emoji] As our new National Director for Training and Development, she’s here to help shape the next generation of uniquely beautiful Filipinas,” MUPH posted.

Arida told INQUIRER.net that she “didn’t think twice” when MUPH approached her. “It’s an easy yes for me because it’s a journey that I’ve been through and I want to share it with the girls as well, and with the organization as well,” she said.

She added that she is glad to be part of the MUPH family because she is already close to the members of the team.

The new national director also pleaded to the Filipino people to rally behind MUPH. “I do ask for your support, love, and kindness, and especially the support for the organization now that I’m part of it,” she said.

Sixty-nine ladies from across the country and overseas Filipino communities are taking part in the 2025 Miss Universe Philippines pageant. No details about the coronation show have been released yet, but the eventual winner will represent the country in the 74th Miss Universe pageant in Thailand in November. (Armin P. Adina © Philippine Daily Inquirer)