Ariella Arida, Janine Tugonon weigh in on Miss Universe's removal of age limit

Former Miss Universe Philippines queens Janine Tugonon and Ariella Arida shared their two cents on the Miss Universe Organization's recent move to waive its age restriction for candidates.

In their interview on Thursday's "Fast Talk with Boy Abunda," Janine recalled her reaction when she found out about the change.

"I'm gonna be honest, with age limit, when I first heard it, I was a little bit like, 'Really? No age limit? Would it be fair?'" she said.

Janine expressed her worry in terms of "fairness for the girls."

"'Cause it feels different, especially I've been in the modeling world as well, it feels different when you're older than the rest or when you're younger than the rest. For me, I was like, I hope there would be some standards pa din in terms of the age but I'll support either way," she said.

Ariella shared the same sentiments, hoping that there's at least an age limit of 40-50 years old.

"As long as may limit pa rin kasi I'm just sharing my story kasi during our time, kung walang age limit Tito Boy, I wouldn't push myself to join the pageant kasi I would think that's my last year to join so parang napilitan din ako in a way to really reach that goal of mine," she said.

Ariella, however, said she understands the organization's efforts to adapt to the changing times.

"Parang everything going to technology and all, that we have to adapt," Ariella said. "And so, one point or another, I know the organization wants to be more inclusive, so parang dun talaga 'yung path niya," she said.

The Miss Universe Organization announced the removal of age limit for candidates in September 2023.

The Miss Universe Philippines Organization then welcomed the move, saying it's for "greater inclusivity and representation."

Just recently, this change has already been observed in the local pageant scene when a 69-year-old fashion designer joined Miss Universe Philippines - Quezon City and made it to the Top 10.

—Carby Basina/MGP, GMA Integrated News