Maria Venus Raj's Famous Answer

I am not a fan of beauty pageants like the Miss Universe although I must say that the recently crowned Miss Mexico, Jimena Navarrete in her red gown looks very pretty and alluring. Some say she looks like Vanessa Hudgens but I see in her the face of KC Concepcion.

There is a lot of fuss about our representative’s answer when questioned “What is one big mistake that you did in your life, and what did you do to make it right?”

Maria Venus Raj nervously responded:

"You know what, Sir, in my 22 years of existence, I can say that there's nothing major, major, I mean, problem that I've done in my life because I'm very confident with my family, with the love that they are giving to me. So, thank you so much that I'm here. Thank you, thank you so much!"

Coming to her quick defense upon arriving at the airport is former Miss International Melanie Marquez, asking the people to stop the “crab mentality".

We understand that contestants have no idea on what the questions are in the "tambiolo" and thus they  anticipated the unexpected. Answers are hit or miss and it is here to my belief that Maria Venus fell short in her response. Had she given a better answer, most probably, the Philippines is now gifted with the third Miss Universe title-holder. In fairness to Venus, she answered the question instantly in a fluent American English accent while Misses Ukraine and Mexico needed translators. While the interpreter was translating into Spanish the question, Jimena had a somewhat advantage, although minimal, in thinking for a better answer.    That minimal advantage if indeed an advantage did not give Miss Mexico a sure ticket for the crown but her answer in stressing the need of values. Not to be forgotten is the atmosphere at that time that the last five were under the cauldron of pressure each wanting to win the crown in honor of their countries and peoples they represent.

Mania Venus might be honest in her answer that “there is no major, major problem in her life” but it is unbelievable that she does not have a “major problem in her (very young) life” or simply said, a problem in her life.

That’s the way it turned out and we appreciate Venus in representing our country and we congratulate her place as a fourth runner-up.

For the “crab mentality” issue of Ms. Marquez, she must understand the frustration of Filipinos in losing a good chance in winning the pageantry. I am sure that the beauteous lady from Pampanga knows that no one can stop any one in expressing thoughts in a democratic country --- frustrations included.

Individuals gifted with a good IQ don't disparage others saying what they have in mind. -30-