“From the start, everyone expects me to get the title. I can handle the pressure by using it as a motivation,” said Ariella in an interview with Anthony Taberna in “Tapatan ni Tunying,” which airs this Thursday (October 3).
The people’s expectations are even higher for her after Venus Raj, Shamcey Supsup and Janine Tugonon’s consecutive runner up wins in Miss Universe, and the recent victory of Megan Young and Mutya Datul in Miss World and Miss Supranational respectively.
Ariella said that she doesn’t mind the constant pressure and tough preparations because she is passionate of what she is doing.
“To be a beauty queen was my wildest dream. I was inspired by Miriam Quiambao while I was watching her in my grade school years. I spoke to myself then and said that it was a possible dream and I could attain it,” she said.
Ariella hopes for the country’s support as she vies to clinch the Miss Universe title in Russia.
“I hope the people will support me in the competition because this fight is not just about me, it’s for our country,” she added.
While Ariella aspires to make waves in the international scene, Jonathan Yabut already made it after winning in the first season of business reality show “The Apprentice Asia.”
As part of his prizes, he was hired as the chief of staff of Malaysian billionaire Tony Fernandes’ AirAsia, where he receives six-digit salary in dollars. He personally chose the airline among Fernandes’ companies because of his particular interest in travel and tourism.
“Mr. Fernandes has transformed Malaysia. I want to do something, in which aside from earning for my own, I can also help my country,” he said.
Jonathan also reveals to Taberna that he has political aspirations. He said that he uses his apprenticeship to gain knowledge in improving the Philippines’ tourism industry. When asked if he would accept if given the chance to be the tourism secretary, Jonathan gave a resounding “Yes.”
Don’t miss “Tapatan ni Tunying” (TNT) this Thursday (October 3), 4:45 PM on ABS-CBN’s Kapamilya Gold. For updates, follow @tntunying or like www.facebook.com/tntunying.
