Besides the Philippines’ official bet, Binibining Pilinas-Universe 2013 Ariella Arida, the representatives from Canada and Gabon both have Filipino ancestry.
The Canadian bet is a familiar face to Filipino audiences. Riza Santos — a former “Pinoy Big Brother” housemate and FHM Philippines cover girl — was born to Filipino parents in the Philippines but grew up in Calgary, Alberta in Canada.
Santos already had two national beauty titles tucked under her belt — Miss Earth Canada 2006 and Miss World Canada 2011 — before she won the Miss Universe 2013 crown under unusual circumstances over the weekend.
In an embarrassing gaffe, organizers crowned the wrong winner, Denise Garrido, on Saturday but discovered later that a typographical error had caused a mistake in the tabulation of the scores.
The corrected tally sheets revealed that Garrido was only good enough for a third runner-up finish and Santos was the rightful winner.
“I would like to say thank you to God, my family, friends, and all of my supporters during this humbling yet rewarding journey to become Miss Universe Canada,” Santos said on her webpage after being informed of her victory.
“I can’t begin to express my gratitude and excitement to represent Canada on the international stage. It’s an honour to represent our country and I ask you for your continued support and prayers,” she added.
Ruth Jennifer Ondo Mouchita — the representative from the western African state of Gabon — is half-Filipina, born to a full-blooded Filipino mother. Her Wikipedia entry says she stands half an inch shy of six feet.
Ariella Arida is a Chemistry graduate of the University of the Philippines Los Banos. She stands almost 5’8″.
source: interaksyon.com
