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Venus Raj

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In this Philippine name, the middle name or maternal family name is Bayonito and the surname or paternal family name is Raj.

Venus Raj
Venus Raj at the CPFW in Toronto, Canada, March 2014
Born
Maria Venus Bayonito Raj

(1988-07-07) July 7, 1988 (age 36)
Doha, Qatar
Alma materBicol University
University of the Philippines Diliman
Height1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)
Beauty pageant titleholder
TitleBinibining Pilipinas Universe 2010
Agency
Hair colorBlack
Eye colorBrown
Major
competition(s)		Miss Philippines Earth 2008
(Miss Eco Tourism 2008)
Binibining Pilipinas 2010
(Winner – Binibining Pilipinas Universe 2010)
(Best in Long Gown)
(Best in Philippine Terno)
(Miss Friendship)
Miss Universe 2010
(4th Runner-Up)

Maria Venus Bayonito Raj (Tagalog pronunciation: [ˈrah]; born July 7, 1988) is an Filipino-Indian actress, model and beauty pageant titleholder who was crowned Binibining Pilipinas Universe 2010.[1] She represented the Philippines at the Miss Universe 2010 pageant and placed 4th Runner-Up.[2][3]

After her title, Raj placed as the fourth runner-up in 59th Miss Universe pageant where she popularized her fumbled answer "Major Major".

Early life and education

Maria Venus Raj was born in Doha, Qatar to an Indian-American father and a Filipino mother, the youngest of five children.[4] Raj's family moved in Bato, Camarines Sur in the Bicolandia at age 21.[5]

For the first two decades of her life, Raj lived in a nipa hut made of wood, bamboo and anahaw leaves, with no electricity, in the middle of a sprawling rice field. She allegedly used rice paddy dikes for her early training, where she eventually developed her distinctive walk.[6]

Raj started out by joining local beauty pageants, as well as oratorical contests at San Vicente High School, where her English teacher served as her coach. Using the prize money won in major contests, she then bought land on an installment basis for her mother as a means of improving their livelihood.[6]

Raj obtained her bachelor's degree in communication arts, major in journalism, at Bicol University in Legazpi City, with Latin honors (cum laude). She graduated through the scholarship that she received from the Francis Papica Foundation.[6] She initially worked as an Information Assistant for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for Bicol Region. It was at this time that she also worked as a part-time fashion model in both her native Bicol and Manila.[7][8][9]

In 2017, Raj completed her master's degree in community development from the University of the Philippines Diliman.[10]

In June 2021, she graduated from Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics (OCCA), Oxford, England.[11]

Pageantry

Miss Philippines Earth 2008

Raj first competed in Miss Philippines Earth 2008 where she was crowned as Miss Eco Tourism 2008.[12][13]

Binibining Pilipinas 2010

Main article: Binibining Pilipinas 2010

After joining Miss Teen USA in 2006 and Miss USA in 2009, Raj took a break from beauty contests and worked as an Information Assistant at the regional office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.[14] On March 6, 2010, she was crowned Binibining Pilipinas Universe 2010 during the pageant's Grand Coronation Night at the Araneta Coliseum. She won the right to represent the Philippines at the 2010 Miss Universe pageant in Las Vegas, Nevada.[9] She also won the special awards Best in Long Gown, Best in Philippine Terno, and was a co-winner for Miss Friendship – a rare feat for a major title winner.[citation needed]

Miss Universe 2010

Main article: Miss Universe 2010

In August 2010, Raj is back in the United States and took part in the 2010 Miss Universe pageant. One of six delegates who were handpicked for a media tour, Raj, along with Jesinta Campbell of Australia, Natalia Navarro of Colombia, Sarodj Bertin of Haiti, Ximena Navarrete of Mexico, Mariana Vicente of Puerto Rico and Miss Universe 2009 Stefania Fernandez were scheduled for several television appearances prior to the actual pageant in Las Vegas. During the announcement of the Top 15, Raj was the last delegate to be called, signalling both an end to a 10-year semifinal drought for the Philippines and the beginning of its ongoing streak (as of 2024) of appearances at Miss Universe during the live finale. Raj advanced to the Top 5, eventually finishing as 4th runner-up to winner Ximena Navarrete from Mexico.

During the Miss Universe question and answer portion, Raj was asked by American actor William Baldwin about the biggest mistake that she made in her life and what she did to make it right, to which she simply replied that she had never made any big mistakes in her life, citing the famed answer "Major Major" in her response.[15] Raj received the highest rating in the Miss Universe website, with 3.54 points, the highest-ever for a Philippine delegate.[16] In an event held in Diablos Cantina at the Monte Carlo Resort and Casino, Raj won in a Chicken Wing Eating Contest, increasing her popularity even more during the run of the pageant.[17]

While competing at Miss Universe 2010 in Las Vegas, Raj was emotionally distressed to hear about the death of Filipino-German beauty queen Melody Gersbach and make-up artist Alden Orense in a car accident. Gersbach, a fellow Bicolana who previously competed and placed in the Top 15 at Miss International 2009 in China, was one of Raj's coaches in her preparation for the Miss Universe pageant. Raj was one of favorites from the crowd in the pageant preliminary and final show.[18][19]

Television career

Prior and after Miss Universe, Raj guested on multiple networks as guests. Eventually she was offered hosting stints including a spot in the morning show Umagang Kay Ganda. In 2011, Raj signed up an exclusive contract with ABS-CBN, coinciding with the network gaining the airing rights of the Binibining Pilipinas pageant for at least five years. In 2013, she left on hosting Umagang Kay Ganda due on the reformat of the show. Less busy with entertainment commitments, Raj pursued her master's degree in Community Development at the University of the Philippines Diliman and lent a hand to the group called “Care For Children.”[20]

Filmography

Television

Year Title Role Network
2011 Mutya Mikki ABS-CBN
2011–2013 ASAP 2012 Host/Performer
2011–2016 Umagang Kay Ganda Host
2012 Wansapanataym: Bye, Bye Bangungot Diwata
Maalaala Mo Kaya: Korona Herself
2014 Wagas[21] January Isaac GMA News TV
2015 Maalaala Mo Kaya Christine Balaguer ABS-CBN
Tunay Na Buhay Host GMA Network
2016 Celebrity Playtime Herself/Player ABS-CBN
A1 Ko Sa 'Yo Herself GMA Network
2017 Umagang Kay Ganda Herself ABS-CBN
Family Feud Herself/Player ABS-CBN

Film

Year Title Role Production Ref.
2012 Pridyider Celine Regal Films [22]
2013 Slumber Party Herself Riginals [23]

Awards and nominations

Awards and Nomination
Year Award Giving Body Category Nominated Work Results
2011 25th PMPC Star Awards for TV Best Morning Show Host
(shared with Umagang Kay Ganda hosts)		 Umagang Kay Ganda Won
5th UPLB Gandingan Awards Won
2012 26th PMPC Star Awards for TV Won
6th UPLB Gandingan Awards Won
2013 27th PMPC Star Awards for TV Nominated
7th UPLB Gandingan Awards Won
2014 28th PMPC Star Awards for TV Best Travel Show Host
(shared with Christina Decena)		 Business Flight Nominated

See also

Notes

References

  1. ^ Tupaz, Voltaire; Tayag, Voltaire (December 11, 2019). "LOOK BACK: The Binibining Pilipinas legacy through the decades". Rappler. Retrieved July 10, 2021.
  2. ^ Lapeña, Carmela (August 24, 2010). "RP's Venus Raj 4th runner-up in Miss Universe pageant". GMA News Online. Retrieved July 10, 2021.
  3. ^ "Venus Raj 4th runner-up in Miss Universe 2010". Filipino Journal. August 6, 2010. Retrieved July 10, 2021.
  4. ^ Dy, Adrienne (July 14, 2011). "Venus Raj: The goddess is a hometown girl". Inquirer Lifestyle. Retrieved January 11, 2022.
  5. ^ Francisco, Butch (April 6, 2010). "Venus: 'Goddess' in distress". Philstar. Retrieved September 11, 2021.
  6. ^ a b c Ephraim Aguilar (September 4, 2010) Dethroned Bicol beauty queen fights for dream Archived April 11, 2010, at the Wayback Machine. Inquirer Southern Luzon.
  7. ^ Bacungan, VJ (June 9, 2017). "LOOK: Venus Raj flaunts U.P. 'Sablay' graduation photo for master's degree". CNN Philippines. Retrieved August 5, 2021.
  8. ^ Cagape, Kristhoff (October 9, 2017). "Beauty & Brains: 8 Celebrities who graduated with top honors". Push. Retrieved August 5, 2021.
  9. ^ a b Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2010 Archived March 10, 2010, at the Wayback Machine. bbpilipinas.com
  10. ^ "Venus Raj completes master's degree in UP". ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs. June 8, 2017. Retrieved June 8, 2017.
  11. ^ Layug, Margaret Claire (June 25, 2021). "LOOK: Venus Raj graduates from school in England". GMA News Online. Retrieved September 11, 2021.
  12. ^ Adina, Armin (May 13, 2008). "Second time a charm for new Miss Earth". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on April 27, 2010. Retrieved December 31, 2008.
  13. ^ Jojo, DJ Mojo (May 17, 2008). "Mother's Day for Mother Earth". Manila Bulletin. Archived from the original on February 17, 2009. Retrieved December 31, 2008.
  14. ^ Dy, Adrienne (July 14, 2011). "Venus Raj: The goddess is a hometown girl". Inquirer Lifestyle. Retrieved January 3, 2021.
  15. ^ Flores, Karen (June 13, 2011). "'Major major:' Venus Raj's legacy?". ABS-CBN News. Archived from the original on June 13, 2011. Retrieved September 11, 2021.
  16. ^ Members. Miss Universe. Retrieved on May 12, 2012.
  17. ^ "Raj a top choice for Miss Universe crown" Archived August 21, 2010, at the Wayback Machine. The Manila Bulletin. Retrieved on May 12, 2012.
  18. ^ Another mishap: beauty queen dies" Archived August 23, 2010, at the Wayback Machine. The Manila Bulletin, (August 2, 2010). Retrieved on May 12, 2012.
  19. ^ Robert R. Requintina Venus mourns, but is ready to shine. August 22, 2010
  20. ^ Santos, Rhea. "Venus Raj declines Willie Revillame's offer, signs up with ABS-CBN". Push. Retrieved January 16, 2011.
  21. ^ "Second chance: January Isaac and Wade Bodlovic Love Story sa 'Wagas'". GMA Network. January 23, 2014. Retrieved March 5, 2014.
  22. ^ "Venus ready for movie debut in 'Pridyider'". ABS-CBN News. August 28, 2012. Retrieved January 12, 2021.
  23. ^ "'Major major' viral video inspires comedy flick". ABS-CBN News. November 2, 2012. Retrieved January 12, 2021.
Awards and achievements
Preceded by Miss Universe
(4th Runner-Up)
2010 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Binibining Pilipinas Universe
2010 		Succeeded by
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