Venus and the Universe

Saturday, 21 August 2010 22:38 Dine Racoma

In the world and the universe as we know it, there will always be conflict, in matters regarding politics and government, economy, the peace situation, the environment, and the list goes on. But when it comes to appreciating the beauty of women, the entirety of human civilization is one.

The annual Ms. Universe pageant is a testament to how the world, amidst conflict, dispute and tension, could come together to celebrate the ultimate of beauty and elegance. This year’s 83 contestants, with their easy smiles and playful poses for the camera, hold the responsibility of collectively representing the richness and diversity of the people of the world.

For skeptics who still dispute the significance of the Ms. Universe pageant, think about what it stands for. Consider its contestants: porcelain ivory skin and deep ebony faces; eyes ranging from intense black to cornflower blue; descendants of Cleopatra, Bathsheba, and Helen of Troy; women from nations that produced the likes of Sophia Loren, Dorothy Dandridge, Brigitte Bardot and Zhang Ziyi, and so many other unforgettable beauties; all standing together in one stage greeting the world with their native tongues in their country’s costumes. What more poignant way for people to attach a face to a geographical location, a more fascinating way of learning more about the nations of the world?

Of course, in the Philippines there is typically no need to stress the point, for we as a nation are no strangers to beauty or the appreciation of it. We have been blessed as a people with abundant natural resources; wherever you are in this country you need only to travel an hour or two to treat your urban-jaded eyes to a spectacular view courtesy of Mother Nature. And as if proof that beauty is transmissible from surroundings to bloodstream, behold the loveliness of the Filipina!

Twenty-two year old Venus Raj, our own contestant to the Ms. Universe pageant, radiates striking sensuality that enables her to be noticed in a crowd. And surely enough, even before the pageant the world has taken notice of her: she is one of the most popular contestants and she has (as of this writing) the highest individual popularity rating as posted in the Miss Universe Official Website.

Venus’ pathway towards the Ms. Universe stage is worthy of a “Maalaala Mo Kaya” episode (and probably writers are already feverishly working out the storyline). She was raised in Camarines Sur, Bicol and lived with four siblings and her mother in a middle of a rice field in a small nipa hut with no electricity. Armed with a scholarship and beauty pageant earnings, she was able to complete her bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts (Journalism Major) at the Bicol University in Albay – cum laude, to boot. Striking Filipina beauty, brains, and humble origins – what more can be asked for? Who can better represent our country in the most prestigious beauty pageant in the world?

Venus’ eligibility as pageant contestant, however, was called into question because of some inconsistencies about her place of birth – though her birth certificate lists her place of birth as the Philippines, it was found out that she was actually born in Qatar. Because of this, she was dethroned for a time, with Helen Nicolette Henson (second runner-up) replacing her. Venus fought for the crown and opted for legal action, and on April 10, 2010 the Binibining Pilipinas Charities reinstated her title with the condition that she obtain a valid Philippine passport. So add spunk, persistence and resolution to her list of amiable qualities. Will Venus find her place in the universe? We’ll soon find out!

The Ms. Universe Pageant 2010 will be held in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA on August 23 (August 24 in the Philippines). You can catch it live on August 24, 9:30 am at Channel 2, and primetime (7:30 pm) at Studio 23 and Velvet.

Photo: “Venus Raj fashion pictures (old ones)” from www.missosology

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