Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

Ready to conquer the ‘Universe’

Sitting by the poolside in a cabana at the glamorous Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood with Miss Philippines Maria Venus Raj, you can’t help but feel excited for her.

The 22-year-old half Filipino-half Qatari from Camarines Sur, Philippines is bubbly, her emotions flowing with a nervous excitement that just exudes enthusiasm.

As she is among the 83 other beautiful young women from around the world competing for the Miss Universe crown to be held at the Mandalay Bay, in Las Vegas, NV on August 23, Raj knows winning can be difficult.

It’s been more than 35 years since Margarita Moran won the Miss Universe crown representing the Philippines in 1973. In 1969, Gloria Diaz became the first Filipina to wear the crown.

Raj wants to be the third Miss Universe hailing from the Philippines.

Leading up to the competition, there’s been some controversy regarding Raj’s representation of Miss Philippines but she said it’s all been cleared up and that the adversity of having the Miss Philippines crown taken away from her only to get it back has only made her more stronger, grateful and excited for the opportunity to represent the homeland in the Miss Universe pageant.

The Asian Journal caught up with Miss Philippines last August 6 a few days after she arrived to Los Angeles. We discussed her controversial representation, upbringing and how she feels she will do in the competition.

VR (Venus Raj): I’m so excited. When Iwas still on the plane Ilooked out the window and saw this huge city. It’s like wow, amazing, just wonderful.

VR: I’m 22 years old, Igraduated with a Bachelors of Communication degree from Bicol University. Iwork at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources as an information assistant where Ido newspaper layouts, production and a lot of other things that you wouldn’t think a beauty queen would do. It’s an entire different world from the world I’m in now.