Beauty Queens React to Ma. Venus Raj’s Dethronement
Note*** All the people interviewed in this post were under the impression that Bb. Pilipinas discovered Venus Raj’s curious birth history AFTER she won. Eventually, we learned that Venus Raj had told BPCI from the very start. Please take this into consideration when reading this article.
******************************
Bb Pilipinas’ dethronement of it’s Universe 2010 winner, Ma. Venus Raj, has hit a sensitive nerve among pageant fans and observers.
I took some time out to ask some of my Beauty Queen friends and Beauty Queen lovers to see what they thought about the whole issue of Ma. Venus Raj losing her crown due to inconsistencies in her birth certificate.
Here’s what they have to say:
***Those who want to comment on what my friends think, please REMEMBER that my blog is like my living room and the people in it are my guests. Only respect and kindness are welcome. Rudeness and catty attitudes stay in the doghouse.
Pamela Bianca Manalo (Bb Pilipinas Universe 2009)
(Bianca was the one who crowned Ma. Venus Raj on the night she won the Bb. Pilipinas Universe title)
Pamela Bianca Manalo
I was shocked.
The first thing that came to my mind was this – the birth certificate is a requirement (from the start) so how come they found out about it only now?
I feel sad for her because hindi man lang umabot ng 1 month.
All I can say to Ma. Venus Raj is – life must go on. There are better things in store for her. Maybe this is just a blessing in disguise.
Gionna Cabrera (Bb Pilipinas Universe 2005, Miss Photogenic Universe 2005)
Gionna Cabrera
It is appalling.
The best thing to do for her is to settle her legal complaints and accept the veto.
Ma Venus Raj will still be Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2010 in the people’s hearts, but Nikette Henson (Ma. Venus Raj’s replacement) is fated to represent the country in the Miss Universe 2010.
Best wishes to both ladies!
Liza Berroya (Bb. Pilipinas Universe 1992)
Liza Berroya
First of all, just so you know where I’m coming from, let me tell you that I’m a stickler for following rules. If I’m driving late at night with no other car on the road and I come upon a red light, I stop. And I don’t proceed til the light changes.
Having said that, and based on what little I know about this matter, I believe that it was wrong that Ma. Venus Raj’s birth certificate was falsified. Regardless of who did it. In my opinion it’s either you qualify or you don’t. If you have to tweak the truth here and there just to be able to comply with the pageant’s requirements, then you’re trying to fit a square peg in a round hole.
Pardon me for saying this, but the problem with our society today is that we’ve become much too permissive. We take lying so lightly that when we’re faced with issues such as these, people somehow blame Bb Pilipinas for not doing a thorough enough background check, while just glossing over the fact that it’s the contest’s obligation to be truthful. A beauty queen should be morally upright, a good role model for young women to emulate.
It’s sad that Ma. Venus Raj was dethroned. But whoever falsified those documents must have had an inkling that this could have happened way before the whole ugly truth was brought to light. For all you know, if they were up front with Bb. Pilipinas about the birth certificate from the start, Bb Pilipinas could have weighed the situation and still allowed Ma. Venus Raj to join. I hear she’s a strong contender for the Miss Universe title. I think, more than anyone, Bb Pilipinas would want the Philippines to produce another Miss Universe.
But when these issues come to light AFTER the coronation, Bb. Pilipinas doesn’t have much room to maneuver. At the end of the day, it’s Bb. Piipinas Charities’ prerogative whether or not to extend grace and still allow Ma. Venus Raj to keep her title. clearly, they’ve made their position known. Quite tactfully and lovingly, I might add.
So the short of the long of it is this: somebody lied, and this is the consequence of that lie.
As for Ma. Venus Raj, she’s a beautiful girl with a lot going for her: a lovely physique and brains to boot! I believe she has the potential to go far in life, with or without the crown.
Michelle Oblea (Miss Philippines Earth Water 2008.)
Michelle Oblea
(Michelle competed alongside Ma Venus Raj in the Miss Earth 2008. Michelle won the title mentioned above while Venus won the Miss Philippines Eco-Tourism title.)
Ma Venus Raj is very deserving of the crown and i know she would do good in the Miss Universe competition and fulfilling her other duties. Venus is a very nice girl and a very good friend. We were like sisters in Miss Earth Philippines.
I will admit that she was the nicest among us in our batch and I think everyone will agree too. And more than being a farm girl which they think she is, Ma. Venus Raj graduated cum laude. She really is a wonderful woman.
All I can say now is that maybe God has a better plan for her.
But just to make it clear, I have nothing against Nikette Henson (Ma. Venus Raj’s replacement). I know that she is equally deserving. She and Venus were my favorites while I was watching Bb. Pilipinas. I heard from a friend that Nikette also graudated cum laude and that her thesis won an award and in spite of all that she remains humble. Plus, I think she is very pretty too, I am equally amazed by her.
Alma Concepcion (Bb. Pilipinas International 1994)
Alma Concepcion
I empathize with Ma. Venus Raj.
I know what happened is very disappointing. I was surprised over the dethronement because I think strictness on documents should be done before the pageant. I think Bb. Pilipinas Charities should make sure that all their candidates are qualified and have complete documents before the pageant because dethroning someone is really painful for her and her family and supporters. I wish Ma. Venus Raj well in whatever hardships she is going through.
I also wish Nikette Henson (who took Venus’ place) the best of luck in the Miss Universe 2010. She’s beautfiful and people say we look alike!
Peachy Sacasas (Bb. Pilipinas International 1981)
Peachy Sacasas
I really don’t know what the real situations is but all I can say is for Bb Pilipinas to make sure that they they ask for all the documents from the candidates upon joining the contest to avoid all sorts of embarrassment and inconvenience.
The organizers should be responsible enough to look into all legal aspects since the rules are coming from them.
Make the rules clear and ask for documents.
Carlene Ang Aguilar (Bb Pilipinas World 2005)
Carlene Ang Aguilar
It’s sad but then again there are rules to follow so let’s all just support the one who’ll represent the country.
******************************************************************
Camilla Kim Galvez (MRS Philippines Universe 2008 2009/ MRS Universe 2nd Runner-up 2008 2009)
Camilla Kim Galvez
Of course I would appeal to the organization (Bb. Pilipinas) if I were Ma. Venus Raj.
But whatever the outcome, I would abide by the organization’s final decision.
Even if I wouldn’t be able to represent the country in the Ms Universe pageant, I would still continue to be an ambassadress for our culture and our country and be an inspiration to other women.
***********************************************************************
Jane Banares (Mutya ng Pilipinas International 2009)
Jane Banares
I really felt bad for what happened to Ma Venus Raj. She really deserves the crown because she worked hard for it and the Bb Pilipinas Universe title really fits her because I think she would do good in the Miss Universe pageant kung di lang siya na-dethrone.
Even if we are not that close, I was so happy and proud when she got the crown. Actually, I planned to watch it (Bb Pilipinas 2010 Coronation Night) live kaya lang I had to go somewhere else that day.
We had the same handler in Bicol and we did a pictorial together. I really admire her. Ang galing mag-project and ang ganda ng body sobra. Actually, madalas kaming mapagkamalang isang tao lang before nung klot pa siya. Maybe because we have the sam aura. Sayang talaga but maybe God has plans for her. Anyway, it’s Bb Pilipinas’ loss, not hers.
So to Ma. Venus Raj, cheer up manai, we love and support you, God Bless!
Rene Salud (Fashion Designer and Beauty Queen Maker)
Rene Salud
The best way to handle the controversy at this point is through legal means. Bb Pilipinas has rules and regulations that need to be followed.
For Ma. Venus Raj, all I can say is that beauty pageants are just the start and not the end of one’s career. She should continue doing the things that come with being once crowned a Bb. Pilipinas Universe winner.
Besides, everybody knows about her now – this issue has only made her more famous. She should use this to her advantage.
John Jay Cuay (“Fitness Instructor to the Beauty Queens”)
John Jay Cuay
Ma. Venus Raj deserves the crown.
She is Filipina in all aspects, having lived in the country more than half her life.
As her friend, I know how she put her life and soul on hold just to join Bb. Pilipinas. Why the checking of her legalities just now after winning? They could have done that prior to her becoming one of the official candidates.
I am so sad at this scenario.
Felix Manuel (Philippine Star’s Beauty Expert/ Missosologist OPMB Worldwide Member /Registered Nurse based in New York)
Me with Felix Manuel
I am saddened by what happened.
Both ladies (Ma. Venus Raj and her replacement Nikette Henson) are very dear to me. I would advise her (Ma Venus Raj) to consult her lawyers, they know the legal aspect of her case.
It is indeed wise of her not to comment for the meantime to avoid further complicating the issue. Many people are frustrated and there is too much bashing on the internet.
I am praying for Ma Venus Raj and Nikette Henson.
Jonas Yu (Beauty Pageant correspondent)
Jonas Yu
I am deeply saddened by Ma Venus Raj’s dethronement.
I hope Bb Pilipinas Charities will take into consideration the mental anguish and the ordeal she had to face.
*********************************************************************
Kat Kattera (Blog Author of The Beauty of Almost Everything)
Kat Kattera
I got shocked with the news!
Ma. Venus Raj was my ultimate bet for the Bb. Pilipinas Universe crown! I also know that it was her dream and I can’t imagine the pain!
On the other hand, Nikette Henson (Ma. Venus Raj’s replacement) is also a fave and I am excited for her!
I just hope that Bb. Pilipinas Charities thought about this a million times before deciding to pursue the decision.
My advice to her? I know it’s hard but Ma. Venus Raj should share her skills to future queens.
Mr FU (Energy FM DJ and TV host)
Mr. FU!
This is not the first time that they dethroned a queen. I hope they will evaluate candidates well to avoid this incident.
For Ma. Venus Raj, learn from this experience. Let go and move on.
Korona lang yan. Dami pa available dyan… hahaha… may ganon?
*********************************************************************
Joee Guilas (Business News TV Anchor)
Joee Guilas
It is an issue that has now been elevated to the legal system and at this point, there’s nothing much that Ma. Venus Raj and her fans can do other than wish for the best – – and that is her eventual re-instatement.
In the meantime, the best thing for Ma. Venus Raj to do is to just let the wheels of justice decide on her fate and while waiting for the final outcome, exert effort in further improving herself. Any kind of personal development will serve her well whether she gets the crown back or not. She should not let all the negativity get the better of her, after all, the whole world knows that she is the rightfully crowned Bb. Pilipinas Universe for this year.
all pageants have a natural lifespan. But Peach just seems so timeless. What abeauty she was/is
yes yes yes Peachy is GORGEOUS hanggang ngayon 🙂
joyce ann burton was my favorite back then . From Miss YOung Philippines to BB Pilipinas.Luv u joyce…
I am so very happy that finally Venus Raj is representing our country. She has all quality to kick some latina’s ass in the pageant . She is so perfect in catwalk . Her body measurement is awesome. She got the looks!!!! Statuesque, awesome facial structure. Go venus go!!!!!We’ve been drought for ten years. It is about time that Philippines be on the finalist. I always believe that whoever representative that we have in any beauty contest . Once she already in the finalist she would give her best. Like in a gay lingo “mangangabog” …
I really admire Liza Berroya for sticking to the rules when she’s driving. And I also like that she takes against lying just to earn a title. However, I would like to ask her, if she has complete knowledge about this issue of Venus Raj. Did Venus lie just earn the title? Or did she admit about the inconsistencies in her birth certificate from the very beginning?
AT the time of the interview, Liza (and I) didn’t know much about Venus’ side.I had been trying to get a hold of Venus for an interview but it was difficult. And I needed a story to keep interest going. I think the people in the interview gave good viewpoints nevertheless. 🙂 Thanks much for asking though, this is a good question…
For Ms. Maria Venus Raj, I am not saddened about this issue because this issue is just simply a trial that you are facing for now. If you though negative in this aspect well you will be the loser but if you are optimistic and treat this trail as positive well done gurl.. It’s life, just focus to your future career. You are STAR girl, I mean you’re Sane, Talented, Active, Responsible woman. You can be an artist,host, model actress and more. Remember this girl “HINDI IKAW ANG KAWALAN KUNDI SILA” because you are deserving for this tittle and you are the asset of the country so, let go life is a continuous process of learning. Be the best you can.
Actually, 1st Runner-Up Diane Necio should join Venus in her fight. Kung gusto talaga ng BPCI dapat nilagay sa Ms U si Gatbonton at nilagay sa Ms World si Necio since Ms World accepts 17 y/o candidates… or Gatbonton in Ms U… Krista in Ms World and Necio in Ms INT’L…. ganun ang ginawa nila during Janelle Bautista’s time when she was dethroned in 1999…. kya hndi maaaring i-reason ng BPCI na hndi pwede si Diane Necio… as the saying goes ‘Kung gusto maraming paraan, kung ayaw maraming dahilan”… Kung pinapasok nila sana si Diane to any of these titles, wala cguro masyadong ingay at reklamo ang general public like before and we will all be contented and resigned to their decision. Kaso, we all smell something fishy with their insistance of Venus’ replacement. Remember, bad intentions = bad results. Karma in short. STILL, we want Venus to get her crown BACK.
Don’t worry Ms. Joyce, that’s why everybody’s reacting coz we believe the Bb. crown is still worth its value.
Yeah, lets see how the story unfolds, Im praying for an exciting ending… THanks much Chris for the reminder!
i used to admire this pageant, now no more, so disgusting, politicians should compete for this title not beauty queens, apparently there are more politics than beauties. Don’t grieve for the crown miss raj, dont fight another battle for something that lost its value, for something undeserving for another fight, for something that bears ingrity no more. you already fought your battle and won it, what more should they asked?…
😦 super sad. Would still like to think that the Bb Pilipinas Crown has value… 😦
hello blogging beauty queen?
i just want to ask as to the updates of our dethroned beauty queen.
hi there, I interviewed Venus and you can get the details our conversation here – http://adventuresofabeautyqueen.com/2010/04/07/ma-venus-raj-if-im-reinstated-i-will-take-back-the-crown/
thanks for asking!
| Why do the past Binibinis cannot place their stands against BPCI. Most of us know that this organization is an old school and no longer conform with the modern standards of beauty pageants. Most past titleholders no longer have access nor interests to beauty pageants of today’s world. Read fora and discussion boards, and you will find the dethronement of Venus Raj just so riduculous and stupendous. A nincompoop-y act of old and retiring people.
Some of the most notable cases where MUO favoured the delegates from dethronement or preventing from competing:
Miss Greece Universe 2001 [ Evelina Papantoniou] posed semi-naked in a men’s magazine but still allowed to compete and placed 1st Runner Up to Denis Quinonez.
Miss Russia Universe 2009 [ Sofia Rudieva] posed totally nude to a porn website when she was 15 but still allowed to compete by Mr. Trump. Her case was elevated to Russian legal system as she was, according to Rudieva, abused and under legal age during the time of shoot.
—
These people from BPCI do not even read fora nor participate in discussions to reinvent their pageant system. Indeed, an old school. From year 2000 to 2009, we did not even placed at Miss Universe.
And for the last 30 years ( from 1980-2009), we only placed 5 times.
1980 Maria Rosario ‘Chat’ Silayan – 4th Place
1984 Maria Desiree Verdadero – 4th Place
1987 Geraldine Edith Asis – 6th Place (Top 10)
1994 Charlene Bonnin Gonzalez – 4th Place (Top 6)
1999 Miriam Redito Quiambao – 2nd Place
Such a very lackluster performance. Eventhough some also deserves to place like:
1985 Joyce Ann Burton [deserve to place than the fugly winner from Puerto Rico]
1990 Germelina Lea Padilla [12th place overall]
1996 Ailene Leng Damiles [18th place overall]
1997 Abbygale Williamson Arenas [11th place overall]
Compared to India which catapulted success in the 1990s due to reinventing of pageant formula, and Japan’s recent successes in the 2000s, I believe it is high time for us to counter our misfortune at Miss Universe and slap BPCI with their poor training, low quality pageant productions, stupid policies, questionnable results and old-school criteria.
Venus Raj is heavily favoured by pageant websites and world pageant fans thru their blogs and fan sites. Most MU placers and winners have been predicted by the same websites and blogs to an accuracy rating of 75% t0 90%.
The reasons provided for by BPCI, at least thru limited press statements, are really insane. The Birth Certificate discrepancy will not at any matter deter Raj from competing. It just needs to be fixed in proper time. It is not at all Raj’s fault. There is, I deem, a politics behind all these brouhahas. BPCI, their cohorts and some major sponsors might just wanted Nicollete Henson [ who, with no offensemeant, cannot stand better with Venezuela’s Marelisa Gibson, Colombia’s Natalia Navarro Galvis, Curacao’s Safira de Wit, Russia’s Irina Antonenko, France’s Malika Menard, Uruguay’s Stephany Ortega, Puerto Rico’s Mariana Vicente or Ukraine’s Anna Poslavskaya, among others] to represent the country for their own reasons and pleasure.
I tell you people, we seldom get the worldwide experts’ and fans’ support for our very own Philippine delegate. Dethroning Raj will only lead us again at the background CLAPPING.
Bring Venus Raj back sa Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2010 and as our official delegate to the 2010 Miss Universe Pageant!
And to all past titleholders, stand up! Let us uprise against BPCI. Let us get the MU franchise from them. Let us organize a new Miss Philippines Universe pageant system!
Thanks much for all the information, it gives us hope that Venus Raj has a fighting chance to either get her crown back and represent us in Miss U or at least raise awareness so that things like this DONT happen again. If it does reach the courts Venus will need people like you giving advice and precious info to her lawyers, I SWEAR! It will cut their research work by 90%!!! Also, hoping that Nikette (if she does represent us in Ms U – you never know, with this big outcry, Venus might just be reinstated) will go beyond everyone’s expectations…
Consistency is the name of the game, this is the third time they dethroned a beauty queen.
With regards to Raj’s case, I feel that she should bring her case to court whether she loses or not. Raj’s case may be weak technically, but the main concern is to bring the attention to the public of the injustices and discrimination that BCPI has manifested through the years. Pardon me for my choice of words but I am just expressing myself.
Is BCPI a moralist?
What is their stand on those former Miss Universe title holders who have appeared nude on glossy magazines? The recent ones were Jennifer Hawkins and Diana Mendoza (who did it just before her reign was over). They deliberately disqualified Sandra Seifert just a day before the finals leaving her no time to defend herself. That was really disgusting! Did they do it deliberately? How come they only knew it just a few days before the pageant? Somthing is fishy here.
What about a certain former Bb. Pilipinas winner who gave birth out of wedlock and still gets invited by BCPI and even co-anchored Bb. Pageant a few years ago whereas other former title holders are banned from attending their activities. I don’t find anything wrong with women giving birth out of wedlock and I admire for their courage but where is consistency in this respect?
Apparently Ms. International 2005 Lara Quigaman is also banned from Bb. Pilipinas activities for the reason that she organised a beauty pageant. How shallow!
Lets support Maria Venus Raj in her quest for justice and fight against discrimination.
I remember back ten years ago, I went to Cyprus to watch the Miss Universe 2000 and guess who was there in behalf of the beloved Bb. Pilipinas National Director? Yes, her own brother who is not even a Filipino. Nice.
Let’s support Maria Venus Raj in her quest for justice against the Bb. Pilipinas Organisation.
You have raised some VALID points that need to be looked at. And yes, Raj’s case may just be the tipping point. I wonder how this whole story is going to pan out. In a way, although I hate the hurt this has caused to Venus and her family and supporters, I am glad that the controversy is creating more interest in Bb Pilipinas AND Im also proud that there ARE many many people out there who TRULY care about the pageant and it’s beauty queens.
Hi and congratulation to the owner of this blogsite. I was been a follower of various pageants way back in the philippines. I live here in Australia for many years but still i m an avid follower of beauty pageants in the Philippines and over the world.I was saddened with VR’s dethronement as I can see a lot of potentials from her to give us our 3rd MS.U. I was been a handler of various beauty queens and Nadia lee Cien Shami was one of them.As a molder of beauty queens, I know who has the potential to make it big or not. im not sure of the main reason of the issue but on my own points of view, VR should fight for what she thinks right for her.If ever her crown will be relinquish for good, I should say and advice her to move on as there’s a saying that says” If one door closes to you, a lot of windows might open”. Who knows, there’s a better opportunity in store for her.It’s only a crown.Anything happened for a reason.God maybe prepared something better than the crown. Take Charice Pempengco as a great example….just my pice of cent.
Thanks George for not forgetting home! And thanks for dropping a note here, its always good to hear from Filipinos who are out exploring the world. Hindi natin kinakalimutan ang Pilipinas at ang kagandahan ng ating bansa!
Thank you so much for replying to my message Madam moderator. Of course, I know my roots and i love still our culture.In fact, Im truly proud of who we are.Was still in elementary when I started admiring beauty queens.Isama na kita doon kasi I like your intro line in the Ms. U ’85…grade 6 pa ako that time,buti nalang may youtube.I am truly happy that indeed as a timeless beauty queen, you still have time and passion to listen to us….PAGEANT FANATICS. Thank you for sharing your gift of blogging to us.And I’m so happy to found your blogsite truly by accident. God bless
I’m with Mr. Delfin on this one. I was fortunate enough to catch Venus’ interview in The Buzz this afternoon and I believe every word she said. Granted that there were some inconsistencies in her documents, the BPCI should have also done their part by raising them from the very beginning. What they subjected Venus to is demoralizing and humiliating, to say the least. And yes, she should seek legal advice.
Hi there Chuckie – I totally missed the interview because I’m don’t watch TV (shame on me, LOLOL) but I heard that Venus spoke with conviction. Good on her!
Here you go. 😉 She carried herself with courage and dignity. I admire her so much now!
I just watched Venus’s interview in The Buzz and I believe everything that she said. I believe she spoke the truth. I am going to write to the Miss Universe Organization to implore Donald Trump to override BPCI’s decision to dethrone Venus and to reinstate her immediately as the rightful Philippines representative to Miss Universe 2010. What BPCI did to Venus was denigrating, demoralizing and humiliating.
THanks Rafa, everybody sympathizes with Venus and if she really has a strong case then all the more people will love her… hoping to talk to her this coming week…
Thank you very much, Rafa Delfin. I hope Ms. Shugart will intervene on Venus’ behalf. I know she will listen to you.
I just saw the video interview, it’s heartbreaking that there was actually a social justice angle to this. Venus was born in poverty, and her mother is a single parent.
The decision of BPCI is cruel, dethronement is a disproportionate punishment to what appears to be a technical error that really has nothing to do with Venus’ eligibility to compete at Miss Universe.
please write to Donald Trump. Your letter might make a big difference since I know you once interviewed Paula SHugart. Thanks
Is it not a common knowledge that one Bb Pilipinas Title holder who eventually won an international title was born out of wed lock and she was even very much an underage when she joined how come BBP charities did not found out only much much later!
The way I see it, Ms. Henson is the organizer’s choice while V enus Raz became the juges’ unanimous pick.
Hi there! I don’t think Venus’ ‘illegitimacy’ is the issue. I think the ‘illegitimacy’ thing was mentioned by some BPCI spokespersons then some reports came out bigla using the word ‘illegitimate’ – maybe for sensationalism? or maybe they misunderstood BPCI? not sure. But BPCI wouldn’t use illegitimacy as grounds for dethronement. At least not in this day and age. From what I have gathered from diff reports and from the texts I recieved directly from BPCI, the problem is (at least accor to them) is that Venus was born in Qatar to an Indian father and Filipina mother but her birth certificate says she is born to Filipinos in the Philippines.
As for who the organizers’ choice is or was, well, your speculation is as good as mine! Thanks for adding to our nice conversation here…
Alright, some people don’t know how to read. There ARE guidelines printed in red. Your comment is marked as SPAM and won’t see the light of day in this blog.
i strongly agree with Bb. Pilipinas Universe 1992 winner, Ms Liza Berroya comment..” a beauty queen should be morally upright, a good role model for young women to emulate”. in my opinion, a beauty queen should possess good qualities which will stand out from the other ladies and being true to one’s self is the best. i believe one is born to be a beauty queen, the way she moves, she behaves, all is coming naturally,unlike ung natutuhan lng sa mga workshops parang pilit. of course she maybe needing enhancement and polishing para lalo siyang mg improve. ms. venus raj may have the beauty,poise,body…but a real beauty queen is beautiful inside and out. my advice to ms. venus, if you are truthfully right, fight for it coz ikaw talaga ang winner that night. i worked in doha qatar for years before i migrated here in the US with the same profession, so kahit papano i have the idea regarding your case accdg. sa mga inaakusa sa iyo. but i think that’s not the real issue, kung sa akala mo mali ang BPCI, fight for it and ikaw lang talaga ang kakaalam sa totoo, “THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE” Good luck
To the Author:
Felix Manuel is not a Missosologist! He is a member of OPMB Worldwide which is another website.
Please correct the information, we do not want your blog to be “dethroned” for falsifying information LOLZ
LOLOL! Adventures of a DETHRONED Beauty Queen? I don’t think so! Thanks much will correct the document ASAP 🙂
Well, BPCI does not always have the final say. Daisy Reyes ’96 was able to get her crown back and Cristina Fandino was able to compete despite her being disqualified by Araneta. Tina Fandino took her case to court and they settled, so I wouldn’t say that their decision is the final one. Also, a few of my friends and I emailed Paula Shugart and she replied. She said thank you for the email and that they are looking into the matter. Take note that MUO is reading emails and they know of the situation at hand. In the past Donald Trump has decided not to agree with the franchise holder and allow the winner to keep her title. So all is not lost. Also remember that Magali Febles of PR had the franchise taken away from her after a few PR pageant fans emailed MUO regarding the scandals in her organization. So pageant fans are not as powerless as some people think. I think BPCI only has until 2013 and their lease will be up and if ABS-CBN is interested in taking over the franchise as they say, more power to them! Just like the 2008 US elections, people are clamoring for change. Come on, we have not had a semifinalist in MU for the last 11 years! and our last MU was 37 years ago! Joyce can’t you challenge for the franchise? Kung makuha ng ABS-CBN or ibang organisasyon, I declare in Jesus name na ikaw ang magiging national director. LOL, at least there will be integrity and a good Christian woman in the office. That way there will be blessing to our country and success to our representatives.
I can’t believe all this is happening. Only a few days ago I wrote on your blog how I thought VR may not have been the best rep for Miss Universe. Now I take it back because I feel so hurt for her. The power of words talaga! Tama pala ang Bibliya, sana hindi ko na sinabe. So sorry Venus! I don’t care anymore whether Trump will like her or not, what they did to her was an injustice. There comes a time when we have to stand for the wrong or the right, for the good or for the evil side. Malakas ang loob ko na mababalik kay Maria Venus Raj and corona!I just know and feel it inside me, malakas ang laban niya
Hello Darito, thanks much for ALL the information, this comment is a big bright rainbow for Venus and beauty pageant fans who take dethronements seriously.
ME? CHallenge for the franchise? I am a little too much spaced out and can’t organize my own bag for the life of me! I’ve always been a wonderful adviser and idea person but I am not built to implement or organize. Now if someone with the organizational skills would ask me to help them… pwede pa 🙂
I too can’t believe what’s happening and can understand how you feel about Venus. Although she has always been in my Top 3, my feelings about her have only intensified even more after this issue. But your prophetic words are heartening; she just might be able to get the crown back or at least get recompense for the emotional torture and public embarrassment.
As for BPCI, I will always respect them in spite of my upset feelings about this. Even if Venus wins her case against them (if she does indeed sue) I will always love the staff and leadership of BPCI, Miss Stella et. al. and will be forever thankful for their support and love when I carried the crown in 1985.
hello mam joyce…great site having the views of those big people…may i adopt this on my blog??of course with your name on it…if u just allow me..if u dont, then its ok
i’m the site admin of this blog
http://blackmovementforvenus.blogspot.com
Sure you can! Thanks much and more power to your Black Movement for Venus…
Hi Joyce! Allow me to congratulate you on your website. I love it! It gave me a better understanding of who you are, your interest and what you do. Keep up the good work and more power in your endeavors! I happen to chance upon it through Felix Manuel, as you know, he’s really heavy into pageants!
It’s really too bad that Ma. Venus Raj got dethroned. I was very disappointed and truly sad. I was present during the coronation night. Everyone of the candidates were beautiful and I had a few favorites but believe me she stood out like a goddess amongst the other candidates! She was my best bet, no doubt about it. Perhaps that was why I felt bad the more when I learned about what happened to her.
As we both know, the decision of the Bb. Pilipinas is irrevocable. It would be best for Ma. Venus Raj to move on. I’m sure she learned a lot from the pageant and if asked, I’m sure she’ll say that she has no regrets. She did her best and in our eyes, she will always be the winner. I want to encourage her that with her looks, brains and personality, she’ll go a long way. She has all it takes to be what she wants to be.
My congratulations to Nikkette Henson, who was also one of my favorites and equally beautiful and smart. I wish her all the best for the Miss U! It’s been quite awhile. Bring home the bacon!
Hi Chiqui thanks much for stopping by my blog! Felix is amazing isn’t he? He never fails to astonish me. You have wonderful advice for Venus – said like a true beauty queen! Hope to see you sooooooon 🙂
Whether there has really been falsification of documents or not, Venus Raj should have been given her due process first before BPCI made the drastic decision of taking back the title from her. If they can subject the girls to long, tedious screenings, the least they can do is to give them time to fend for themselves, especially when they have been given the crown already.
Reminding commenters that my blog is my living room and the people here are my guests. Catty comments will not be published and will be marked as spam the next time it happens.
BPCI should have just reprimanded Venus Raj for something she might night even know about. Was the birth certificate actually falsified or was it just the BB. Pilipinas application form? Bec if it is only the latter, then the mistake is not that serious to merit dethronement of Raj. Napapag usapan yan and can be settled. Bec both camps made a mistake – Raj’s inconsistencies and BPCI’s lapse in not verifying documents of applicants prior to final screening. Take note, there were several screenings made prior to FINAL SCREENING and BPCI should have thoroughly screened all documents bec this did not happen only now, it has happened I think 3 times already in the past. Just basing on Raj’s family name, BPCI should have taken it as a warning that she might have issues with her nationality.
I also agree with Liza. However, I just don’t want to point fingers just yet and say that Venus (or someone from her camp) did lie. I think BPCI and her camp should get a third party to investigate on the authenticity of the documents. Then and then can we see what is truly wrong and correct it.
As for BPCI, I agree with Felix and the rest of the … See Morepageant loversdom (haha, is there a word?) that they should do something about checking all the documents. I think it should be done during screening so that we can avoid this thing from happening again.
Nice one JP…
I’m saddened with the news about Bb.Pilipinas-Universe Ma. Venus Raj being stripped off her title. I know and I believe that she’ll give a good fight at the Miss Universe pageant this year. If the organizers are really strict with their rules and guidelines (e.g. on documents), this shouldn’t have been overlooked in the first place at the beginning of the pageant. Though, I’m happy for Helen Nicolette Henson as replacement, she should start working on this, but still, I’m grieving about Venus’ lost! I know there’ll be a lot more in store for her.
Raymond it seems many are grieving over the ‘loss’ of Venus… there are those who want her to sue, some want Bb to just reinstate her and then there are those who say, just move on… what do you think about that>?
Hi Ms. Joyce! For now, I guess, Venus should move on, because based from history of those who were dethroned back then, BPCI’s decision was irrevocable (e.g. Bautista, Abayari), once they’ve given it, it’s final. Nothing she can do now. I’m even more happy ‘coz people are getting notice her and this make her even more popular in the pageant world, though I still sympathize on what has happened. But personally, if I’m in her shoes, I’ll fight for my right. Since Bb is a contest, one should really stand out and performed well, and that’s what she did. She didn’t enforced herself for the title but she competed for it, and she won.
I hope Venus would meditate on what Jeremiah 29:11 says. The future is bright for her…
Whatever Venus decides, I will surely respect! But yes, when BPCI makes decisions it’s always a final one. At least so far…
I will have to take this back, according to Darito, there have been some instantces where the crown had to be returned to the dethroned beauty queen. Check his comment above. I think it’s above…
Yes, in 1996 Daisy Reyes was dethroned for one day but after explaining to BPCI her situation along with legal counsel, was given back the crown. Cristina Fandino was removed from the official list of candidates in 2001 ala Sandra Seifert for residency reasons but took her case to court. She won her right to compete vis a vis a settlement and eventually made it as top 10 finalist.
I also appreciate the comment of Jonas Yu. This is definitely traumatic for Venus and it’s not a simple matter for her to just move on. This was her dream. And even if the crown is not everything, I think all the past winners continue to bask in the glory of that crown long after the coronation. Venus was deprived of that honor by a very legalistic, unforgiving application of “the letter of the law.” What a travesty.
The comments given by your guests show both angle. But I mostly agree with Joee Guilas…
Business Anchor kasi yan eh… 🙂
Thanks for this; I appreciate the comments of Peachy Sacasas, Camilla Glavez, John Cuay, and Bianca Manalo.
I wish you had included Maribel Lopez and Sandra Seifert.
Glad you liked it… Although Maribel is a friend i don’t have her contact…. Sandra I’ve met but also don’t have her contact… still working on building up my directory… thanks for PASSINGBY 🙂
I see myself as an Organizer and an advocate of Honesty and Transparency. Venuz documents should be checked and verified prior to allowing her to fill up her Application thus preventing humiliation both as an applicant and Organizer. Status quo is very important and who will believe in any Organization if there are some flaws unresolved or settled. Now its a history though previous winners being dethroned has a different issues.
Lastly, this is not the end of her life. For sure there is better role assigned to her in future so its up to her and her hanmdler to see which one is better.