"A Win is A Win, Even if There's a Major Major Mistake" by: Luis Pedron email: LuisPedron@gmail.com Picture this, I was sweating like bullets, Maria Venus Raj Miss Philippines is at the top 5. I was texting 5 - 6 people. We were all super excited. Then it all happened. Venus answered in a confident way but said she has not done any "major major mistake," when asked by Judge William Baldwin about "any mistake she has done in life that she has regretted." That statement caused her the crown and landed her the 4th runner up at the 2010 Miss Universe. But, personally, I still am proud of what she achieved. We haven't had a win since the 1st Runner Up win of Miriam Quiambao at the Miss Universe 1999. Both Miss Philippines in 1999 and in 2010, got a bit nervous at their final questions. No matter what anyone says, a TOP 5 Win is still a Major Major Win. I am proud of Venus, she has made me and the Philippines proud. I interviewed a few Filipinos in the NYC area about what they felt of Venus Raj's 4th Runner up Win at the recently concluded Miss Universe 2010 in Las Vegas last August 23, 2010. Erno Hormillosa, a pageant expert here in the USA, says "The Miss Universe 2010 pageant was fun and exciting because we are all excited for our very own Maria Venus Raj. With all the trials she has gone through. We should be very proud of her to be in the TOP FIVE. Vying for Miss Universe with a total of 83 candidates is not an easy task. Over a decade the Binibining Pilipinas Organization has not produce a highly qualified contender since Miriam Quiambao (first runner-up). She was a knock out in the Preliminary last Friday. Venus did an excellent job during the Prelims especially during swimsuit and evening gown. Her walk and poise was just au naturale, elegant and classic. Watching the video of her prelims made a high mark impression. Her performance last night was excellent despite of the fact she was under pressure. She was nervous but at least she did not have the so called "mental blocked out" which often happens in any beauty pageant. In my opinion, over the years watching the beauty pageants in the Philippines: We need to train our representatives in terms of speaking ability and the ability to answer practical and situational questions. As a pageant director and choreographer here in the East Coast one of the training I emphasize on is the final interview or Q & A. Filipinos have the advantage that we speak very well and that English is our second language. You need to have a total package in joining a beauty pageant and that includes smart and wit. The Miss Universe 2010 was full of surprises. Especially that Venezuela and USA did not make it to the Top 15. That was shocking! The Venezuelan always is the top contender because they have a charm school for beauty pageants. So BRAVO to MARIA VENUS RAJ for doing an excellent job! Hopefully, Venus will be an inspiration to aspiring beauty queen. “ Grace Labaguis, PR Expert, owner of Essential Consulting Services, says that "Venus Raj was obviously the crowd favorite even before the pageant. She was the no. 1 choice online and scored high on swimsuit & gown competition. These really got me excited! I was watching at home and I can feel the excitement brewing at Mandalay Casino Hotel esp. when she was called on Top 15 then Top 5! The support of the Filipinos was
overwhelming. She did a good job. Congratulations to Venus for winning the 4th Place in the Miss Universe Pageant. MABUHAY! Marisse Panlilio of MP Entertainment, analyzes what happened to Venus, "It was a long journey for Ms. Philippines Maria Venus Raj which culminated with a 4th Runner Up win in the recently concluded Ms. Universe pageant. After her dismal answer to a simple question; negative comments were posted in Facebook. Suddenly, I asked myself, would it have been better if she asked for an interpreter? Doesn't Ms. Mexico speak English at all? Curiousity set in. Lo and behold; in YouTube, I found an interview with Ms. Mexico wherein she spoke English. Where do we draw the line? Maria Venus Raj obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Communications Arts, major in Journalism, at Bicol University in Albay, with Latin honors (Cum Laude). She works as an Information Assistant for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Region V. Finally, recently crowned Miss Philippines USA (PACEC) Armi Piamonte, explains her experience seeing Venus win, "Watching Venus Raj making her way to the top 5 made me feel so proud to be a Filipina. Being in a pageant myself, I've developed a newfound respect for all these beautiful and talented women. Venus Raj shone and represented the Philippines as a true Filipina beauty. With her exotic features and being morena, which is usually frowned upon in our country, she broke through barriers as if they never even existed. Her poise and elegance carried her to the 4th runner up position and will put the Philippines on the map. I'm very proud of her and I wish her luck with all the endeavors that is just about to unfold for her. Mabuhay ka, Venus Raj! No one could take away the fact that Maria Venus Raj, Miss Philippines is the current 4th Runner Up Winner of the Miss Universe 2010. To be in the Top 5 is a Major Major Win. I am so proud of you Venus! Thank you for putting us again in the map!
Venus Raj, Miss Philippines, 4th Runner Up Miss Universe 2010