Miss Universe 2013 3rd runner-up Ariella Arida defends Maxine Medina from netizens who criticized the latter’s performance at the Miss Universe 2016 pageant.
In her Instagram post yesterday, January 30, Ariella related that she came up to Maxine right after the coronation day to congratulate the 26-year-old interior designer for doing a good job.
Ariella wrote, “’Tough’ 6 is top 6! Hayyy sobrang hirap kaya maka pasok dyan, actually mas mahirap sa batch na'to kasi top 13 lang out of 86 candidates! Hindi madali yun.”
The 28-year-old former beauty queen pointed out that Maxine bested other candidates who were considered crowd favorites.
Ariella explained, “Isipin nyo na lang ang dami nyang nalampaso (yes nalampaso talaga yun term w matching basahan char) to think na strong contenders rin yun mga yun.”
Among the Top 6 finalists, aside from Maxine, were Kenya’s Mary Esther Were, Thailand’s Chalita Suansane, France’s Iris Mittenaere, Haiti’s Raquel Pelissier, and Colombia’s Andrea Tovar.
Miss France, Miss Haiti, and Miss Colombia made it to the Top 3.
While some netizens were disappointed with Maxine’s performance during the Q&A, Ariella said that she was very “proud” of her fellow beauty titlist.
“Hindi rin ganun kadali humarap sa buong universe at sumagot ng question under time constraint! (Based on my experience, hindi talaga sya madali)
“Kaya I'm so proud sa naging laban mo Max!
“No matter what, we're always here for you!
"At the end of the day, it's all about the journey, not the destination! Love you madam"