Beauteous, gorgeous Mariana Costa: Oohlala!
Mariana Costa, Volero Zurich’s Brazilian volleyball player and model who’s been turning heads and making instant admirers with her gorgeous looks and men’s magazine-worthy body, can’t wait to show Filipino fans she’s got game.
Costa, also known as Mari Paraiba in her modelling and cover girl gigs, is in town for next week’s FIVB Women’s World Club Championship, where she’s expected to knock Pinoys off their feet in the same manner another famous volleybelle from the land of Samba – Leila Barros – did more than a decade ago. “It’s really nice to hear that,” the 30- year- old Costa said through an interpreter. “For me it’s just as important that I’m recognized as a volleyball player and not just noticed because of my beauty. I wanna play,” said the charmer, who carried Brazil’s colors in its triumphant campaign in the 2015 South American Games.
Costa’s Swiss club Volero Zurich is up against seven other squads from various countries in a battle royale for the WCWC title.
“You can expect me and the whole team to give everything to win the trophy and work hard for that,” she said.
Costa, who featured in July 2012 edition of Playboy Brazil, felt the warmth of Phl fans when she joined fellow delegates in yesterday’s meet and greet activity at Robinsons Place Manila. Looking stunning on her blue team jacket, Costa flashed her warm smile, waved, gamely signed posters and posed for selfies with adoring fans.
“The people here are so nice, they received us so well and inspired us to make sure we do everything in our power to make it a memorable championship,” she said.
“Personally, I’m really surprised. I didn’t think it will be like this. First of all, I’m not that famous abroad and is known more in Brazil, so it’s amazing,” she added.
She was told about how back in the day, a number of lovestruck Pinoys went to the extent of offering marriage proposals to Barros during her games.
And now, there’s the possibility she’d be eliciting the same response. Is she ready for such? “Actually, not really,” she said, then offering: “I’m still single.”