Why Ariella Arida only placed 3rd-Runner Up

For disclaimer out there, I am not bashing Ms. Arida, and as a matter of fact, I believe she should have won the title that night. I am only going to state my personal opinion.

For the past 3 succeeding years, Philippine representatives did well in the competition for they always ended up entering in the Top 5 circle. As it reflects, the nation must have finally decoded the ways on how to get 'there.' Still, it was always a close ending to the most coveted title.

Ariella Arida had a lot of pressure since people expected her to be the one finally taking home the crown, because of Janine Tugonon's (Miss Universe 2012 1st-Runner Up) excellent finish. She is an alumnus of UP Los Banos, a BS Chemistry Major and graduated with honors.

Now here are my personal opinions and frustrations:

[1] Miss Universe is a Beauty Contest, not a Quiz Bee. That night, no doubt Arida's answer was the best. In spite of being the ONLY candidate to deliver in English (without a translator), the content of her answer was at par from others. Why did she lose? Even if Question and Answer is the last part of the whole competition, I think it has a very small bearing from the overall score of a candidate (sadly).

[2] She might have not done well in other Categories. The whole competition consists of Gown, Swimsuit, National Costume, and Q&A. There's no doubt that she did excellent in Q&A, but how about in other categories? In Venus' time, all the scores were televised after every category so it was so transparent. 

[3] It's Miss Universe Foundation's BIG LOSS for not having Arida as their winner. The foundation aims to do a lot of projects around the globe. The winner will go to several continents and cross borders just to fulfill her mission as the winner. However, language play a big role nowadays. Arida is well verse in the language so she could better transcend the diversities and could have done the responsibilities better.

Anyway (sigh), what's done is done. She did her best and 3rd-Runner Up is such an honor already (though, it came such a surprise). She has, once again, brought pride into our nation in spite of the calamities that has plunged our country. A promising career will be waiting ahead of her.

Congratulation, Miss Ariella Arida, for a job well done! You are our Miss Universe!