Maria Venus Raj gets chance to reclaim Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2010 title
Dethroned beauty queen and Albay’s youth envoy for climate change Maria Venus Raj just might be the Philippines’ representative to the Miss Universe 2010 pageant after all. The Bb. Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI) announced in a statement released today that “for humanitarian reasons” they are allowing Raj to reclaim her title. She only needs to get a valid Philippine passport.
According to the BPCI, “We have reassessed the situation pertaining to Miss Maria Venus Raj and have decided, for humanitarian reasons, that if she is able to obtain a valid Philippine passport, we will reinstate her as the reigning Bb Pilipinas-Universe.”Venus Raj was stripped of her title last March 30 due to inconsistencies in her birth record. Her title was given to 2nd-Runner Up Helen Nicolette Henson.
Here is the full statement from the Bb. Pilipinas Charities, Inc.:
The Executive Committee of Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. (BPCI) announces today that after due deliberation, they have reassessed the situation pertaining to Ms. Maria Venus Raj and have decided, for humanitarian reasons, that if she is able to obtain a valid Philippine Passport, they will reinstate her as the reigning Bb Pilipinas-Universe.
The Committee emphasized that:
“We are sensitive to her situation, but we are aware too, of our responsibilities as an entity existing under Philippine Law.”
“The BPCI being an organization concerned not just with the quest for the true Filipina Beauty but more so, dedicated to the empowerment of women and the upliftment of the lives of marginalized Filipinos, has always considered the welfare of our candidates paramount.”
“Our intention, with respect to Ms. Raj, was always to protect her in the way we felt appropriate.”
“More than the yearly Bb. Pilipinas pageant, BPCI’s relevance as an organization lies in the many opportunities it provides to young and deserving Filipinas, and we are hopeful that Venus will be that Filipina to represent our country in this year’s Miss Universe Pageant.”
Source: Venus Raj given chance to reclaim Bb Pilipinas-Universe title, ABS-CBNNews.com, April 10, 2010
We are indeed staying in the city of smile…. The head of our city did a great job in making Legazpi city known for its numerous development and unending attraction to everyone here and abroad. That’s why, It is best to let his wife be the next mayor; surely, the foreseen projects of the incumbent may soon be realized and the development of our place will soar to it’s peak. God bless Legazpeños.
To: Ms Maria Venus Raj ..Congratulations !!!
I am Indisbelief .WOw ! my Prayer was Answered …
What a Miracle ! Nothing is Impossible fr God …Goodluck !
fr Mbz-FAshion World-Wash DC-USA
E-MAIL ME -rachelzen@msn.com/Facebook
MAbuhay ! (Bicolana been ur Supporter for three days in my own ..
Judjement) Enjoy sit back and relac-Achieve your Goal .to the Fullest !
soo proud of you !
Although the battle is not yet over, I hope and pray that Ms. Raj will continue on to fight for her dreams. I am now living in Canada and would like to pledge my support for her endeavours. If only I can communicate with her to give my humble contribution together with a wish that I hope she wins and would spearhead an organization to help children living with their unwed mothers and also to the Filipino domestic helpers anywhere in the world. For me, she truly represents the trials and tribulations of many Filipino women. You are a true inspiration Ms. Raj. More power to you and God Bless!
I hope she get vindicated and win in this case…
I don’t think she’s photogenic. She looks old and ugly in this picture. Sorry I am just being openly candid….Simone Cowell
hoy ikaw aus ka din ahh..ang sama mo nman para magotya pa sa tao..hnd ka pa mamatay at akala mo my ipagmamalaki ka..manahimik kana lang kaya..
I have a vision that Venus will make it to the final and in God’s help she will bring the title as Miss Universe 2010. Let us pray for it.
MVRaj would have made better impact had she directly answered WBaldwin’s question by gracefully citing the well-publicized controversy about her birth and dethronement:
“It seems I may have committed a mistake in omitting the inelegant complication of my origins as I competed for the Binibining Pilipinas crown. I righted that mistake by bravely declaring the unfortunate circumstances of my international yet humble beginnings. Doing the right thing when it became due worked things out wonderfully and so, thank you so much to my family for all the love, for here I am tonight with self-confidence and audacity of hope to try to win as Miss Universe 2010!”
Perhaps she would have scored differently!
Apparently, poll and audience favorite Venus Raj subconsciously thought out her answer to William Baldwin in native dialect (Iriga Bikolano or Rinconada), and then articulated it in second language (English). Psycholinguists will confirm that a non-native speaker, even if intermediate level in learning achievement, may hardly be able to respond with spontaneous eloquence in second language within a fleeting time-sensitive instance at a public stage event. The hard lesson learned is that, even if a Philippine beauty candidate can speak English, she should opt to avail of interpreter service, as how English-speaking Miss Mexico did. After all, Miss Universe is not a public speaking contest — it is a beauty contest! Still, making it to Top 5 in hand-me-down gowns was no minor, minor feat. So here’s my sincere “MAJOR, MAJOR CONGRATULATIONS TO MISS RAJ!”