Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2010 Maria Venus Raj during yesterday's send-off ceremonies for the Miss Universe Pageant in Las Vegas. (Photo credit: Bruce Casanova of OPMB Worldwide)
Finally, the day has come. Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2010 Maria Venus Raj was feted by Binibining Pilipinas organizers with a formal send-off to the Miss Universe Pageant to be held in Las Vegas on August 23. Attended by media, family, fans and supporters, Venus was visibly glowing as she basked in the fulfillment of one of her dreams – to represent the Philippines in an international beauty competition.
Venus was all smiles as well-wishers trooped to the Gateway Suites at the Araneta Center for her send-off. (Photo credit: Bruce Casanova of OPMB Worldwide)
Venus will actually be arriving in Las Vegas a few days earlier than the rest because she was handpicked to join a small group of candidates who will accompany Donald Trump in a media tour of the pageant to drumbeat interest for the same. And she is taking this opportunity to start making her mark.
Venus with her proud mother. (Photo credit: Bruce Casanova of OPMB Worldwide)
During the send-off, BPCI (Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc.) head Stella Marquez de Araneta clarified some questions regarding Venus. She reasoned out that the usual Colombia training was altogether scrapped due to time constraints. She also shared that a Filipino designer offered his services to assemble Venus’ wardrobe but was turned down since they have already completed all the attires to be worn in Las Vegas. Regarding the National Costume, she neither confirmed nor denied that Alfredo Barraza created the same, but added that a brand-new show-stopping piece will be worn during the pageant.
Two gorgeous morenas - Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2010 Maria Venus Raj (L) and Bb. Pilipinas-World 2010 Czarina Catherine Gatbonton. (Photo credit: Bruce Casanova of OPMB Worldwide)
Below is a video of Venus being interviewed by ABS-CBN’s Dyan Castillejo during the send-off. She proudly showed off her 22-inch waistline here.
video courtesy of YouTube/takibreaxti
Best of luck in the pageant, Venus! 😉
normannorman.com 
you have all my support venus,and i will be there to support you when the time is come….im a kind of girl who loves to do,like what you doing right now.im a ex beauty queen for different kind of category when i was in best age…my first pageant i won first place,my second and third i won the tittle…and i swept nine award for the entire contest..its hard to believe when is happening feel so great,things that you can really proud off,and you can tell to your self,you really did it..experience that will glued to you till the rest of your life…take my word even you become a mother,you will love your kids to experience they same…go venus