Miss Universe 2013: Olivia Culpo Posts Picture with Miss Philippines Ariella Arida, Calls Filipino Beauty 'Gorgeous'

Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo was all praises for Miss Philippines Ariella Arida, after meeting at the National Gift Auction at Crocus City Mall in Moscow, Russia.

The 21-year-old Rhode Island beauty posted a picture of the two on Instagram with the caption: "With the gorgeous #MissPhilippines @araarida @MissUPhils last night during the #missuniverse Gift of Life Auction @RealBbPilipinas."

The 24-year-old Filipino beauty was quick to respond and shared the same picture on her own Instagram page, saying: "I'm so happy seeing this. Thank you to the sweet, nice and very gorgeous Ms. Olivia!"

Arida who is a strong contender for winning the crown, recently received 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.

Arida stood out from the other candidates during the Tony Ward Couture Fashion Show, and appeared twice on the ramp in the designer's ensemble. She was one of the five beauties, out of the 89 contestants, chosen for the television advertisement of luxury car maker Mercedes-Benz. Adding on, she also reportedly left a strong impression, during the photo shoot for Italian lingerie brand, Yamamay, taken by New York-based Fashion Photographer Fadil Berisha.