When Miss Philippines Venus Raj was handpicked by one of the Miss Universe 2010 main sponsors (Farouk System) to do a promotional shoot in San Francisco together with Miss USA Rima Fakih, she took this opportunity to drop by the international office of ABS-CBN in Burlingame for an interview aired over TFC (The Filipino Channel) and ABS-CBN (via SNN – Showbiz News Ngayon).
Here’s another interview of Venus with Balitang Amerika as facilitated by former ABS-CBN news anchor Gel Santos-Relos:
video courtesy of YouTube/TFCBalitangAmerica
During the Las Vegas Welcome Sign Photoshoot. Miss Philippines Venus Raj poses with Miss Puerto Rico Mariana Vicente and Miss Uruguay Stephany Ortega
And yet another TV interview of Venus on Balitang America…
Video courtesy of YouTube/TFCBalitangAmerica
Venus has really blossomed and her confidence level is shining through.
This is the sketch of Venus Raj's Evening Gown by Alfredo Barraza
Venus Raj's Miss Universe National Costume
If these internet rumors are true, then I sincerely hope that these creations are a perfect fit for Venus once worn. The National Costume may not sit well with some people who will criticize the bastardizing of the butterfly terno by making it just one-shoulder but if the end result does not look tacky, then I can still take it because it can create drama onstage. On the other hand, the Evening Gown is simple and elegant, for as long as the ribbon does not come out too distracting. The effect should be flowy and not stiff.
On the other hand, there is another rumor that this is the Evening Gown for Venus:
This is the other rumored Evening Gown for Venus Raj
In my opinion, this white number is perfect for Venus. I have always envisioned her in glisteniing silvery white gliding the Miss Universe stage. I think she can work this one with more ease and aplomb.
Venus Raj waves to well-wishers after arriving in L.A.
Venus gives the peace sign after boarding the limo that brought her to Roosevelt Hotel.
Venus arrived in Los Angeles fresh and well-rested. She was met by Miss Universe reps and crew plus fans and well-wishers at Tom Bradley, including members of OPMB Worldwide who will give their all-out support to our candidate as she competes for Miss Universe 2010. Since she will be part of the media tour with Donald Trump, she will join 5 other delegates (Misses Australia, Colombia, Haiti, Mexico and Puerto Rico) at the Roosevelt Hotel where they are billeted before moving to Las Vegas this weekend.
Below is a video of her arrival in Los Angeles courtesy of Ronqui of OPMB Worldwide.
YouTube/opmbvids
Below is a video of her arrival as covered by Balitang Amerika.
YouTube/TFCbalitangamerika
The Miss Universe 2010 media tour beauties: (L-R) Maria Venus Raj (Philippines), Natalia Navarro (Colombia), Ximena Navarrete (Mexico), Sarodj Bertin (Haiti), Jesinta Campbell (Australia) and Mariana Vicente (Puerto Rico).
Let’s support Venus all the way! Keep on casting those online votes as well! 😉
Prior to the official start of Miss Universe activities in Las Vegas on August 7, Donald Trump will head a meadia tour of the pageant in L.A. to spark more interest in the same. Together with him, six ladies have been picked to join him in making the rounds of TV networks and the like – and they are Jesinta Campbell of Australia, Natalia Navarro of Colombia, Sarodj Bertin of Haiti, Ximena Navarrete of Mexico, Maria Venus Raj of the Philippines and Mariana Vicente of Puerto Rico.
The question in my mind is: do I read deeper into this selection? My answer is no. It is possible that these six have piqued Mr. Trump’s fancy but to conclude that they are his preferred winners is totally out of the question at the moment. Too early to tell.
Let’s just be happy that our very own Venus is included in the media tour because this will give her some significant headstart before the pre-pageant coverages commence later this week. 😉
These are Maria Venus Raj’s pre-arrival photos for the Miss Universe 2010 Pageant courtesy of BPCI (Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc). The images should jumpstart her serious bid to become the Philippines’ 3rd Miss Universe winner.
Her PAL flight to Las Vegas via Los Angeles will leave tonight.
Bon Voyage!!! 😉
Many thanks to OPMB Worldwide for sharing these pictures!
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.
It was a lazy Sunday afternoon last August 1. I was going through my usual routines and then decided to watch TV and check on the latest newsbits on GMA-7’s Showbiz Central. I almost fell off my chair when their segment on Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2010 Maria Venus Raj started showing and this blog – Norman’s Blog – was used as backdrop showing her photos and that of her competitors’ plus my post on how to do the online vote. For those who may have missed it, the portion of the show with the Venus Raj spot is embedded below.
The Venus Raj feature starts right after the click.
video courtesy of YouTube/pinoyakoinfo
Thanks to the people behind Showbiz Central who deemed my blog appropriate enough to go with their Venus Raj feature! 😉
P.S. Venus will be leaving for the US tomorrow evening via Philippine Airlines. Bon Voyage!
Miss Universe-Philippines 2010 Maria Venus Raj.....breathlessly stunning!
The pre-arrival photos of the Miss Universe 2010 candidates are already flooding the net. And the Philippine bet is no exception. Maria Venus Raj swimsuit photos are fiery hot! And if that’s not enough, she was grilled by all former Binibining Pilipinas beauty queens to further sharpen her question & answer skills as well as enhance the substance and quality of her views on an assortment of global current affairs. Her final wardrobe – including national costume – is still under wraps (talk about secrecy when handlers of other national delegates have already posted theirs in various sites) but I will surely blog about it the minute everything is revealed.
Meanwhile, here’s another shot of Miss Philippines, Maria Venus Raj.
Definitely a sight for sore eyes!
For all her fans and supporters, keep on voting in the Miss Universe website so that she can maintain her lead in the polls! 😉
Just follow the step-by-step instructions above (courtesy of OPMB Worldwide) and you're all set to show your support for Miss Philippines Venus Raj in Miss Universe 2010.
While writing this blog, Miss Philippines Venus Raj is in the lead with 3.36 stars, followed by Miss Venezuela Marelisa Gibson with 2.90 stars. The other ladies tallying in the Top 5 are Miss Mexico Ximena Navarrete (2.89 stars), Miss Colombia Natalia Navarro (2.88 stars) and Miss Indonesia Qory Sandioriva (2.84 stars.)
Miss Philippines Venus Raj is currently in the lead for Miss Universe 2010 online voting.
Bb. Pilipinas-Universe (Miss Philippines-Universe) 2010 Maria Venus Raj turned 22 just last Wednesday, July 7. Her numerous well-wishers and supporters are one in their birthday wish – just like Venus’ wish herself – and that is to win the 2010 Miss Universe crown.
Initially, it was a breeze winning the Binibining Pilipinas-Universe 2010 title. She was the top favorite from start to finish. But when controversy erupted after birth certificate inconsistencies led to her dethronement, she suddenly plunged rock bottom. From there, she clawed her way back to reclaim what is rightfully hers. She came out triumphant and with a stronger spirit and fiercer disposition this time around.
Venus in her latest TV guesting on GMA-7's reality dating game show "Take Me Out" last week
When Venus arrives in Las Vegas for the competition next month, she will be showered with support and attention from the thousands of Filipino-American pageant followers who will make sure that her road to the top will be joyous, if not all-the-way victorious. Miss Universe is a totally different ballgame, especially after Donald Trump took over the organization. But if Venus’ lucky stars stay on her side throughout the beauty battle, the Philippines might just see another winner to complete a troika together with Gloria Diaz (1969) and Margarita Moran (1973). 😉
Hi! Norman here. When I'm not working, I spend most of my free time planning on daily blogs. If you will notice, I always make sure that a fresh topic comes out everyday - not an easy thing to do but it's all good. Thanks for dropping by and enjoy the visit!
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