Miss Universe 2013: Former Pageant Winner Gloria Diaz Believes Ariella Arida Can Win Crown

Miss Philippines Ariella Arida who is a strong contender for the Miss Universe 2013 title, has huge support from previous pageant winner Miss Universe 1969 Gloria Diaz.

The 66-year-old, the first Filipino to win the crown, said Arida has all the qualities for winning the title.

"I think she is beautiful. She's got everything, she's a true Filipina. She's very exotic in a positive way, she's tall. She's beautiful. Pero tayong mga Pilipino, na-spoil na eh. Kapag first runner-up, talo. No, they are all winners," she told ABS-CBN News in an interview.

Diaz added that Arida, whether or not she brings the crown, has made the country proud.

"We are so near. Basta you are in the top 5, winner ka na. [If she doesn't make it] It's still okay because she's beautiful. She can get into movies, do hosting. It's just the beginning," she said.

Diaz, who was among the judges when Arida won the Binibining Pilipinas, praised her appealing personality.

"There were nine or ten other judges. I like her face, I like everything about her. The others liked her, too. I think it was a unanimous decision. But I feel sad if she will be stressed about [winning] because there was another winner just before her," she added.

Meanwhile, Miss Universe-Philippines 2011 third runner-up Shamcey Supsup also feels that Arida is capable of winning the crown.

"As long as you did your best, as long as you gave it your all, you trained hard, the Filipinos would appreciate that already," she said, "It doesn't matter if you win or not, pero siempre you aim to win, pero whatever happens, you already made us proud because you've done your best, you represented the country and that's already a mark of a winner."