Miss Universe 2010

All posts tagged Miss Universe 2010

Miss Universe 2010: The night of Ximena Navarrete and the start of a decade of memorable finals for the Philippines

Posted by Norman on April 15, 2020
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , , , , , .

LAS VEGAS – AUGUST 23: Miss Mexico 2010, Jimena Navarrete (L), reacts as she is crowned the 2010 Miss Universe by 2009 Miss Universe Stefania Fernandez during the 2010 Miss Universe Pageant at the Mandalay Bay Events Center August 23, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

LAS VEGAS – AUGUST 23: 2010 Miss Universe Jimena Navarrete of Mexico, arrives at the after party for the 2010 Miss Universe pageant at the LAX Nightclub at the Luxor Resort & Casino August 23, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)

LAS VEGAS – AUGUST 23: The top five finalists (L-R) Miss Philippines 2010, Venus Raj, Miss Ukraine 2010, Anna Poslavska, Miss Jamaica 2010, Yendi Phillipps, Miss Australia 2010, Jesinta Campbell, and Miss Mexico 2010, Jimena Navarrete, appear during the 2010 Miss Universe Pageant at the Mandalay Bay Events Center August 23, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Navarrete went on to be crowned the new Miss Universe. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Photo by Alejandro Godinez/Clasos.com/LatinContent via Getty Images

2010 may have been the year Mexico won its second Miss Universe crown, but it is also an edition worth remembering for all Filipinos worldwide because it started the decade of its two memorable wins and string of top placements. Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2010 Venus Raj placed 4th Runner-Up here.

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves here because the main focus is still on Ximena Navarrete who brought so much pride and joy to her country the way her National Director Lupita Jones did back in 1991.

…” Navarrete was born and raised in Guadalajara, the capital city of Jalisco, Mexico to a middle-class family. She is one of two children, born to Carlos Navarrete a dentist (He is from Sahuayo, Michoacán), and Gabriela Rosette, a house wife. She has one younger sister. She began modeling locally at the age of sixteen, and studied nutrition at the Valle de Atemajac University, prior to taking part in the world pageant…

Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images

During her reign, Ximena made at least fourteen (14) official foreign trips (excluding her several ones to the US and back to Mexico) and that made her one of the more well-traveled winners of the crown. She also became a spokesperson for L’Oreal and Old Navy, while raising awareness for Children International, a U.S.-based humanitarian organization helping over 12,000 poor children in her hometown of Guadalajara.

But it was in 2013 when Ximena made her debut on the small screen. She starred as the female lead in “La Tempestad” opposite William Levy. This was followed by another lead role in 108 Costuras two years later. It was around this time when she started dating Mexican businessman Juan Carlos Valladares. And on April 1, 2017, the two of them were married in a well-attended ceremony at the Capilla del Colegio de San Ignacio de Loyola in Mexico City. This was followed by a lavish reception at the Ex-convento de San Hipolito.

Ximena and husband JC Valladares
(Photo by Servando Gomez Camarillo/Getty Images)

Our Miss Universe 2010 remains happily married to Juan Carlos. She continues to have a career in Mexican/Latin American showbusiness. She is still a sought-after commercial model and endorser. And she just turned 32 last February 22 – looking just as young and beautiful as the night she won the crown. Just check out the month-old video below.

Venus and H’Hen: Together

Posted by Norman on February 4, 2019
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , .


Miss Universe 2010 4th Runner-Up Venus Raj and Miss Universe 2018 Top 5 Finisher H’Hen Niê of Vietnam together and were photographed wearing the traditional Maria Clara of the Philippines.

Both ladies had the same fate during their respective Miss Universe stints, although the specific Top 5 placement of the Vietnamese was not officially announced during the finals in Bangkok last December.

Venus Raj continues to be an inspiration 

Posted by Norman on June 15, 2017
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , .

The graduation photo of Venus Raj


Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2010 and Miss Universe 2010 4th Runner-Up Maria Venus Raj continues to be an inspiration inside and out of the pageant world. After getting credited for starting the placement streak of the Philippines in Miss Universe, she has achieved another milestone in life by graduating (see her graduation photo above) from the University of the Philippines-Diliman with a Master’s Degree in Community Development. This was not the easiest task to complete, but with sheer discipline and determination, she was able to add an entirely new facet to her already colorful life as a Beauty Queen.

Venus will now be able to pursue her other “more meaningful” life objectives as she plots a career in public service, initially in her home municipality of Bato, Camarines Sur where she wants to give back in more ways than one.

I salute you, Venus.

Congratulations!

Wayback Wednesday: Reminiscing Venus Raj 

Posted by Norman on March 22, 2017
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , .

Venus Raj for Fair Magazine


I was looking for an excellent reason to blog about her once more. Good thing her photos for the latest issue of Fair Magazine got uploaded so we now have a Wayback Wednesday feature for Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2010 and Miss Universe 2010 4th Runner-Up Venus Raj. She who takes the bragging rights for starting off the placement streak of the Philippines in Miss Universe that rapturously culminated in our 3rd crown last 2015 for Pia Wurtzbach and a continuation this year when Maxine Medina claimed a Top 6 position during the 65th Miss Universe in Manila last January.

Here is a video of the full Preliminaries during the 59th Edition held in Las Vegas that eventually led to her Top 5 finish:

courtesy of Latino Vicente

Now here are videos of her latest TV guesting on “Magandang Buhay” of ABS-CBN:

And here is a video of the new house of Venus Raj in Camarines Sur:
courtesy of Pinoy News

Still as divine as the day she started the placement streak of the Philippines in Miss Universe

So as you can see, Venus has really progressed from seven years ago till now. The road after Miss Universe 2010 may have been bumpy at times, but she kept on pushing things forward and making a good accountability of herself – be it as a Bicolana, as a student of higher studies, as a former Bb. Pilipinas titleholder and even as a host.

Kudos to you, V! 🙂

Throwback Thursday: Marelisa Gibson, in between back-to-back wins and placements

Posted by Norman on June 25, 2015
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , .

Marelisa Gibson, Miss Venezuela 2010, poses in her Dar Be Dar swimsuit.

Marelisa Gibson, Miss Venezuela 2010, poses in her Dar Be Dar swimsuit

Utterly gorgeous Marelisa Gibson of Venezuela, unplaced during Miss Universe 2010

Utterly gorgeous Marelisa Gibson of Venezuela, unplaced during Miss Universe 2010

Marelisa Gibson of Venezuela in evening gown during Miss Universe 2010

Marelisa Gibson in evening gown during Miss Universe 2010

Marelisa Gibson Villegas is the Miss Venezuela who had the unfortunate fate of following two (2) Miss Universe back-to-back winners (Dayana Mendoza and Stefania Fernandez) during her turn to represent the South American country in Las Vegas. She was aiming for a three-peat that would have secured another Guinness World Record. But instead of coming close to winning the title, she was not even lucky enough to make the first cut to the Top 15 and was kept backstage for almost the entire telecast of the finals.

I will no longer provide a string of possible answers to questions about her non-placement at the very least. But suffice it to say that she must have suffered in comparison to her victorious Venezuelan predecessors(she somehow lacked the oomph that both Dayana and Stefania displayed in abundance). This aside from having to compete with the ever-strong Ximena Navarrette who was tipped to win Mexico’s 2nd Miss Universe crown right from the get-go.

Below is a video clip of her performance during the Preliminaries of Miss Universe 2010.

courtesy of jesushermen

You can’t deny that Marelisa is a mighty fine Miss Venezuela who fitted nicely into her country’s profile of a Miss Universe rep. But she just wasn’t meant to continue the #1 streak for a 3rd time. After her, the ladies who followed continued with either the runner-up or Top 15/10 placements up until the latest edition held in Doral.

If it’s any small consolation, she is not alone in that category as her compatriot Ana Karina Áñez also failed to place during Miss Universe 2004 in Quito.

Throwback Thursday: Venus Raj circa 2010

Posted by Norman on March 26, 2015
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages, 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , .

Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2010 Venus Raj during her send-off to Miss Universe 2010

Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2010 Venus Raj during her send-off to Miss Universe 2010

One of the pre-arrival pics of Venus for MU2010

One of the pre-arrival pics of Venus for MU2010

The woman who jumpstarted the Philippines’ string of Top 5 placements in Miss Universe is sporting a new look with her short hairdo and a visibly more serene presence.

After the victory party of Aces & Queens last weekend, I decided to check out all the 2010 photo files on my laptop so I can come up with a Throwback Thursday post for Venus. Just look at her send-off photos above. She had such a ravishing aura. Back then, it was no longer a surprise that she was handpicked by MUO to be one of six (6) ladies to do a promotional junket of sorts for the pageant in Los Angeles (watch video below), days ahead of the actual thing in Las Vegas.

Check it out. 😀

courtesy of Mark Paul Yap

The latest pic of Venus (rightmost) during the Aces & Queens Victory Party

The latest pic of Venus (rightmost) during the Aces & Queens Victory Party

All send-off photos courtesy of Bruce Casanova. Victory Party photo courtesy of Jory Rivera.

Venus Raj for World Food Programme

Posted by Norman on December 1, 2014
Posted in: 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , .

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It's happening this coming Wednesday, December 3

image This coming Wednesday, a Meet-and-Greet with Miss Universe 2010 4th Runner-up Venus Raj will be conducted at Pizza Hut inside SM Megamall. The event coincides with her current support mission with World Food Programme and its advocacies for world hunger relief.

While invitational, the activity will help spread awareness of the latest project of Venus among attending media reps and guests. In hindsight, this could also signal her future plans of running for public office – something she has been mulling about for years.

And may I also add that our Venus is also active with the Teach for the Philippines Project where she helps in providing children with good education. (See photo below generously shared by my friend Francis Calubaquib)

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Venus is also active with Teach for the Philippines

Sunday Specials: Venus Raj never ceases to amaze me

Posted by Norman on April 27, 2014
Posted in: 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , .

Venus Raj for 2GO Travel Magazine

Venus Raj for 2GO Travel Magazine

2GO31 The peak of her spotlight may have already lapsed last 2010, but Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2010 and Miss Universe 2010 4th Runner-Up Venus Raj continues to shine. In fact, she manages to keep her trim and sexy self up to now. The enviable waistline has never changed. What’s more, the naturally warm personality remains intact.

venusraj211

By the way, since we’re in the subject of 2GO Travel, you may want to join their promo and win a sea cruise to Cebu, Bohol or Boracay. Just click on the LINK or the image below to try your luck.

2GO21

Sunday Specials: Venus the Virtuous

Posted by Norman on February 2, 2014
Posted in: 2 Shout-out-Looks. Tagged: , , , , , , .

Venus Raj speaking in front of a full-packed venue during the Youth Convention hosted by the Atty. Francis Padua Papica Foundation in Naga City.

Venus Raj speaking in front of a full-packed venue during the Youth Convention hosted by the Atty. Francis Padua Papica Foundation in Naga City.

Years after Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2010 and Miss Universe 2010 4th Runner-Up Maria Venus Raj brought the Philippines pageant honor in Las Vegas, she is now gazing at more charity and advocacy-oriented activities.

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Guests of Honor and Speakers during the Naga City-hosted Youth Convention

During a chat we had early last year, I remember her saying that she sincerely wants to put up a foundation for the education of streetchildren. So I was no longer surprised when she turned out to be one of the speakers during the Youth Convention organized by the Atty. Francis Padua Papica Foundation and attended by thousands of youth leaders from all over the country. Along with the Hon. Leni Robredo, mentor Jonas Gaffud, fellow Beauty Queen Ariella Arida, actor Benjamin Alves, Maestro Ryan Cayabyab, Jim Paredes and more, she spoke to the participants about her journey to success and inspired them to do everything to the best of their abilities to rise above the challenges today.

This speaking engagement should help Venus jumpstart her noble plans for the future. Her leadership skills cannot be ignored. And in just a few years from now, I wouldn’t be surprised if she joins politics in the Bicol Region, if not put into motion her long-cherished dream of putting out-of-school youth inside the classroom.

Your blogger is behind Venus in whatever good endeavor she plans to accomplish in the years to come. 🙂

Bb. Pilipinas 2013: Paying it forward the Raj/Supsup way

Posted by Norman on March 10, 2013
Posted in: 1 Pageant Pages. Tagged: , , , , , .

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Venus Raj (left, back facing the camera) training the ladies in pasarela.

Back-to-back Miss Universe Top 5 placers Venus Raj and Shamcey Supsup did not rest on their laurels right after their respective achievements in the international pageant arena. The two ladies had the initiative and commitment to share what they’ve learned and experienced in Las Vegas and Bogota/Sao Paulo, respectively. And the recency of their actual participations makes it all more apt and useful.

For this year’s Bb. Pilipinas, both ladies took time out from their busy schedules to introduce/polish the current crop of candidates in the highly demanding (and important) pasarela (way of pageant walk) which forms part of pre-pageant activities. In addition, they added a personality development segment which, while tailor-made for Miss Universe, can also apply for Miss International, Miss Supranational and the like. Most of the candidates – especially the greenhorns – took to the sessions with wide-eyed enthusiasm. There may be some whose skills have already been hardened by previous national/international pageant exposures, but nothing that would make them averse to learning from the experts, so to speak.

So this is how Venus and Shamcey are paying it forward. I hope to see Janine Tugonon in a separate talk with the ladies because her experiences are far more fresh and updated. 😉