Miss Intercontinental New Zealand Arielle Keil

My name is Ari! I was born in Davao City in the Philippines but I grew up in West Auckland in New Zealand! I am studying creative advertising and I have a Bachelors degree in Fashion Design! My favourite foods are fried chicken and wontons!

What was the experience participating and winning Miss Intercontinental New Zealand 2020 like?

The preparation and lead up to the pageant was super overwhelming! There was a lot to do and I had several meltdowns! Pageantry is very gruelling at times it tests your mental and emotional strength but walking away with the title or Miss Intercontinental New Zealand was very rewarding and a dream come true!

Has a lot of things changed in your life since you won?

I’m definitely not famous but I’m also not a ‘nobody’ anymore so it’s been crazy. People reach out asking for interviews coz in the beginning I used to always say “I’m just little Ari from the middle of nowhere” but I’ve adjusted to it a bit! I get recognised every now and then too but pageants aren’t big in New Zealand so it hasn’t been super crazy!

Is there something you have always wanted to learn or do but haven’t had the time?

I’m terrible at it but I wish I could sing! I used to always wish I could get singing lessons as a kid! I’d love to learn how to surf one day too now I learnt how to swim! 

What hobbies or interests do you have?

I absolutely love being by the beach and swimming and spending time with my friends going on little adventures and road trips! I also love anything Hello Kitty or My Melody! My room has a lot of Hello Kitty plushies and lots of pink! 

If you could travel anywhere in the world for a holiday today, where will you go?

I would love to go back home to the Philippines! Anywhere that is warm and tropical! I love summer and the beach! 

Do you have any favorite quotes or mottos you like to use?

“Apologise when you’re wrong, apologise when you hurt others feelings but never apologise for being you”  and the rule “if it won’t matter in 5 years don’t spend more than 5 minutes worrying about it” both are quoted and I apply to my daily life!

What turns you off on a date?

I love when men have drive, ambition and big dreams like myself! People who are lazy and have no drive is a huge turn off! Also, when men aren’t kind that is a put off also! 

Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions Arielle. One question before we end, how do you define “sexy”? 

Sexy to me is about confidence. It doesn’t matter if you’re wearing lingerie or a floor length dress if you’re confident and own who you are that in itself is sexy! 

Follow the beautiful Arielle Keil on

Instagram: @arielle.keil

I’ll be doing a sewing workshop for pride festival in Auckland which I will be an ambassador for! 

Images courtesy of Arielle Keil

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