Ariella is used to being loveless

Since she finished third runner-up in the 2013 Miss Universe pageant held in Russia, Ariella Arida was romantically linked to only one guy…an actor who is the ex-boyfriend of a now happily married actress. But he never went beyond first base. No other guy dared show any interest in her since then and if anyone did, Ariella simply flashed a “not interested” smile.

Asked about the current state of her heart, said Ariella (co-host of ABS-CBN’s Umagang Kay Ganda), “Zero,” asking as if in jest, “Bakit kaya? I don’t know why.” Then she laughed. “Sanay na akong walang boyfriend. I’m used to it.”

Ariella talked to Funfare via Skype from a nearby province where she was shooting for The Killer Bride, the forthcoming Kapamilya teleserye that also stars Maja Salvador and Joshua Garcia. The shoot was scheduled at the last minute, so Ariella couldn’t make it to Alba restaurant (on Tomas Morato, Quezon City) for a mini-presscon for the “No Filter” campaign of Cosmo Skin GSE which has just renewed Ariella’s contract as endorser. Thus, the Skype interview with select members of the press.

Red Gatus (left) and Niño Bautista, cofounders and managers of BFC Laboratories, maker of Cosmo Skin products

“Ariella is a good friend of ours,” said Niño Bautista and Red Gatus, founders/managers of BFC Laboratories, maker of Cosmo Skin products. “She is morena and she proves that not only fair-skinned women are beautiful.”

Said Ariella, “When we were discussing the ‘No Filter’ campaign, the first thing that came to my mind was that it’s about looking natural, about achieving a look that enables anyone to look beautiful even without the use of filters, especially when taking selfies.”

The campaign is Cosmo Skin’s latest in a series of initiatives spearheaded by the company that seeks to help everyone achieve a dark-spot-free complexion through a supplement with 100 percent organic ingredients, particularly the best-selling brand Cosmo Skin GSE.

Would you believe that Ariella has maintained her Miss Universe measurements (34-26-34, she stands 5’8”) and she still fits the same swimsuit? How does she do it?

“I work out in the gym, doing mostly cardio high-intensity/low-impact exercises. I observe a strict diet, sometimes keto diet and sometimes intermittent diet. I avoid stress. Having a boyfriend can create too much stress.”

What makes Marissa a durable TV host

Marissa del Mar and daughter Princess Maria Adriano, hosts of World-Class Kababayan which premieres on July 27 on GMA News TV

Did you know (or haven’t you noticed) that Marissa del Mar has been hosting TV shows for almost three decades, reaping awards and accolades along the way?

“My secret?” asked Marissa who has quit doing movies to concentrate on television years ago. “I enjoy the job and it’s obvious naman, di ba? So it’s not a secret at all.”

A recap: Marissa hosted Up Close & Personal on IBC 13 for 10 years, featuring profiles of government and public officials; and Buhay OFW for nine years on Aksyon TV showcasing the lives of Filipinos working abroad.

On July 27 (a Saturday), 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on GMA News TV, Marissa is hosting yet another show called World-Class Kababayan that will feature Filipino expats who have successfully worked and traveled abroad, bringing inspiration and aspiration to their kababayan who also dream to explore other countries while still wearing the badge of being Pinoy.

Co-hosted by Marissa’s daughter Princess Maria Adriano, the show is divided into these segments: Angat Pinoy featuring OFWs’ inspirational stories; Pilipinas and Beyond, reporting the latest news about and updates on OFWs; Up Close and Personal, about celebrities who share experiences of their travels abroad; Pinoy Trendsetter, hosted by Princess who will interview millennials; and Malasakit Pinoy in which Marissa will encourage volunteers and donors to pledge their support for certain projects.

“You still want to know more ‘secrets’ why I’ve been on TV this long?” asked Marissa. “I entertain and at the same time help our kababayan, and that’s also not a secret at all.”

Incidentally, the premier episode of World-Class Kababayan will have as guests Rayver Cruz, Diana Zubiri, Yasmien Kurdi and Ruru Madrid.

Gerald now a licensed pilot

Gerald Sibayan, the husband of Ai-Ai delas Alas, has just gotten his private pilot license after completing 150 flying hours at the Asian Institute of Aviation in Subic, Zambales, where he has been studying for one year. Gerald has to complete 150 more hours before he can graduate in November and receive his CPL (Commercial Pilot License).‘I’m so excited to fly with him,’ said Ai-Ai. — Photo from Ai-Ai delas Alas’ Instagram

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