MANILA -- Miss Universe Philippines 2013 Ariella Arida confirmed in a television interview on Monday that she is being courted by the former boyfriend of actress Marian Rivera.
On ANC's "Headstart," Arida was asked by host Karen Davila if there is truth to rumors that Rivera's ex-boyfriend is wooing her.
"Yes," she said, without mentioning her suitor's name.
Arida stressed, however, that they are not yet in a relationship. "I have no boyfriend," she said. "The focus is Miss Universe."
When prodded further about the chances of her suitor, the beauty queen said: "After this pageant, let's see."
Arida is set to represent the Philippines in the prestigious Miss Universe pageant in Russia on November 9.
Rivera, meanwhile, recently starred in a movie with veteran comedienne Ai Ai delas Alas. She is currently in a relationship with actor Dingdong Dantes.
Ervic Vijandre?
While Arida did not name her suitor, she is widely believed to be referring to actor Ervic Vijandre, who was Rivera's boyfriend for eight years.
In an interview with the entertainment website Pep.ph last June, Vijandre admitted that he is courting Arida.
He said that he has been wooing Arida before she won the Miss Universe Philippines 2013 crown.
"Candidate pa lang, nanliligaw na ako," he said.
Vijandre and Rivera broke up in 2009.
source: www.abs-cbnnews.com
