Maria Venus Raj, 4th Runner-Up Miss Universe 2010!
A lot of Filipino pageant fans expressed their joy over Venus Raj’s placement of 4th Runner-up in the Miss Universe 2010. But some were let down by her answer to William Baldwin’s question about one big mistake in her life and how she tried to make it right. Venus Raj replied:
“In my 22 years of existence, there is nothing major, major problem that I have done in my life. Because I am very confident with my family and the love they are giving to me. So thank you so much.”
I thought that Venus’s answer was just a hairline better than Ukraine’s, honestly because while Ukraine had very good content, Anna Poslavska did not really answer the question about how she felt about airport scanners being able to ‘see through her clothes’.
The question, at least to me, implied that airport scanners could see one’s naked body. Of course, most of us know they can’t and Miss Ukraine said nothing about that and instead focused on the importance of security in airports and how such scanners can help avert catastrophes and save lives.
According to Matt in the comments section there are now scanners that can see your body parts! Oh dear!!! If that’s true then I take back what I said about Miss Ukraine’s answer. My apologies!!!
But then again, in her defense, I wonder if Anna Poslavska’s translator was able to include that implied idea when he asked her the question in her language. It’s not Ukraine’s fault if something gets lost in translation.
This bring us to something that many pageant fans have asked: Why don’t our candidates use translators so that they can express themselves better????
As for my thoughts on Venus Raj’s answer, I felt it showed her heart of gratitude; I could clearly see that she was talking directly to the judges for putting her in the magic circle of 5 and to our kababayans for giving her the loudest cheers in Mandalay Bay.
What do you think about her answer?
Now let’s look at what some Twitterers have to say…
It may not have been the best answer but the truth is, Venus Raj uplifted our spirits this morning and that’s what matters. 
Everyone’s making fun of Venus Raj‘s major answer!
Sa major na homecoming ni Maria Venus Raj, idadaan siya sa mga major thoroughfares ng Manila kasama ang isang batallion na Majorettes.
It took one man to bring the country to shame. let one woman bring back its flame. VENUS RAJ!
Above post in reference to the hostage-taking incident involving a disgruntled ex-cop who took over a busload of Hong Kong tourists in Manila.
“Major Major” is a trending topic. And also “Venus Raj“, but her description says: Miss Phils who answered ‘nothing major major’
We should understand Venus. Remember, Venus Raj represented not only the Philippines but the whole Asia! Don’t feel bad. Be Proud!!
hahahahaha Major Major is a trending topic! because of the Major Major win of Venus Raj! mabuhay ka!
re-watching ms universe 2010 … hehe, can’t get over it majoor! don’t get me wrong i’m still super proud of Venus Raj 
let’s not blame Venus Raj, ituon ang galit kay William Baldwin sa pangit na tanong!
Kung anu man ang naging major answer ni Venus Raj…Top 5 parin naman ang ganda nia sa Ms. Universe!! Fierceness parin siya! Congrats!
PHOTO ABOVE FOUND AT PEP.PH CLICK HERE…
a stupid question deserve a stupid answer.. totoo naman. nakakainis naman kasi sayang one step nalang makuha na ni venus ang crown.
Hey Sweet!!! Your comment is very much opposite to your username. Let me ask you a question, try to imagine yourself facing in front of many people, what would you feel?
dejim, I think Sweet was sort of defending Venus because in Sweet’s opinion, it was a stupid question to begin with. And nanghihinayang siya na because of a stupid question, Venus lost the crown. At least , yun yung pagkakaintindi ko sa sinabi niya.
and thanks dejim for coming to the defense of Venus!!!
In fairness to Venus, she did her best though. I believe that, candidates should have an extensive Training most especially in the Q & A portion, ultimate brainstorming dapat. It still boils down to how you would answer questions, not just the beauty and poise but the brains and sensibility as well.
Hindi ba napapansin ang trend na ito sa ating mga contestants? Lagi na lang sumasabit sa Q&A (the intelligence and wit section ng beauty pageants). Can this be a reflection of our nation’s educational system? O, siguro sadyang dedma lang ang mga Pilipino pagdating sa mga nangyayari sa kapaligiran. Parang sumasali lang para rumampa, wala talagang advocacy na pinaglalaban. Dapat ang contestants merong pinaglalaban o kaya nais na matulungan, para meron silang focus pagsumasagot. They should be able to twist the questions para maka-relate sa campaign nila. Beauty with a purpose talaga ang kailangan.
Well that’s why the Miss Earth franchise is gaining ground. The girls are trained well and can answer questions confidently. And, since isa lang ang topic/advocacy nila – environment, its easier to survive the Q&A, in general.
But one thing I think that will help our contestants in the future is – answering in the language they are most comfortable with and having them trained by a person who can help them sort out and develop their beliefs in life.
Having a mission in life (or advocacy) as you put it is also super super key and they need to be reading books and spending time with intelligent people who are contagious. There has to be a sincere desire to learn!!!
major major win or loss?
I made a blog especially dedicated for this major major momentous event.
http://major-major-mistake.blogspot.com/
we should be proud! Major major namn ang rank nia!
Even though Venus’ answer lacked substance, 5th out of 83 women is still a MAJOR accomplishment
What Did You Think of Venus Raj's ?Major, Major? Answer in Miss ……
I found your entry interesting do I’ve added a Trackback to it on my weblog
…
I didn’t find her answer bad at all. She simply answered as candid and as honestly as possible, and youcan tell that she was having the time of her life. Besides, the question was cliche to begin with.
the answer was honestly a bit not good but despite of we should understand Ms. Venus i’m pretty sure grabe ang tension/kaba pag nasa ganyang level ka na. As a Filipina I’m so proud of you.God bless u and our country.
When I saw a Baldwin was gonna ask a question, I got an oh-oh feeling. That question was stupid. Just because the said Baldwin have gone through drugs, sexcapades and other “big mistakes” does not mean everybody did.
I kept thinking what could be the right answer if you did everything right and every decision you make, you made because you had a goal. What if you never did anything “major, major” mistake that can’t be construed as superficial?
What did you expect Venus to say? It seems to me that those around her where the ones making the big mistakes?. For example, a mother who got pregnant out of wedlock, the panel in Binibing Pilipinas who took away her crown then brought it back.
Is it not possible to not commit a “major major” mistake for the “22 years of her existence”?
Hey yes, why didn’t I think of that? it IS possible to commit a maaaajor maaajor mistake in that time!!!
I guess one way to answer the question is to qualify the phrase “major mistake”:
To me, a major mistake is committed when I compromise my values or sense of integrity and wilfully violate the golden rule. For that reason, I don’t think I have committed a major mistake in my 22 years of existence. My mother has relentlessly taught me that in spite of our modest means, I can face any adversity in life and pursue my dreams by arming myself with those values. And I believe that places me here and now – ever confident of my own story and my truth which may be different to yours and to other people here at this very moment. lol
LOLOL! If we could just rewind the tape and use your answer!!!!
@nina: nice!
Major Major as in Major Operation in her English and comprehension skills…. Was she possessed by Jenina San Miguel in a Major Major way? hahaha
AND CONGRATULATIONS to Ms. Mexico’s Interpreter for winning the Miss Universe 2010 Crown. PAK! Goodjob
major major o minor minor problem yan ang saya ko dahil 4th runner up si venus yahooooo…..
Sana naglugay siya nang buhok para panlaban kay Miss MEXICO. Na excite sya nang husto sa Q&A portion at hindi na nakapag isip nang maayos. Siguro kahit isa, may pagkakamali tayong nagawa sa 22 years nating existence..LOL Major din naman ang nangyaring ito…from dethronement to reinstatement to placing 4th at the finals. However, I felt she could have maximized her chances dahil lagi syang huli kung tawagin kasi talaga namang crowd pleaser! CONGRATULATIONS VENUS! You made us proud!
She’s got all the potentials,thats why she made it to the top 5, but it could have been better if she answered the question direct to the point. the question is about “big mistake” but not “major problem”.
But some big mistakes in life can be called major major problems don’t you think? Like in my case, one BIG mistake I made in my life was getting married too early and for the wrong reasons. Sure turned out to be a major maaaaaajor problem in my life… hehehe… anyway, I am OVERJOYED and SO PROUD to have seen Venus through the dethronement and reinstatement and now this
I will sleep like a baby tonight!
wlang taong perpekto..un lang po mssabi ko..
I expected a smart answer.
Sana “What’s the biggest challenge…and how did u face it” nalang ung tanong siguro mas maganda ung sagot ni Venus like ung issue sa dethronement niya.
Napakalaki sana ng chance ni Venus maging Ms. Universe, kung maganda lang sana ung sagot niya… pero ok narin un nakapasok siya sa Top 5. (That was close…)
Her biggest mistake was picking Baldwin’s name out of that bowl.
true lol
hindi nmn kc tyo manghihinayang kung alam nting wala xang laban..eh cmpre ang laki ng chance nya kya tyo nagrereact ng gn2.. proud prin nmn ako sa knya.. pro mas malaki tlg chance nya mging MS. U if nasagot nya ng maayos..
I have read transcriptions of interviews of Filipino executives by international correspondents and I would say, they are worse that how Venus answered the Question of Mr. Baldwin. A good training in Philosophy (logic) more particularly epistemology(theory of knowledge) would help. Also, we Filipinos tend to beat around the bush when we answer questions. Contestants should be responsive and direct to the point.
@ Nina: I agree with you
She think Major Major Rolando Mendoza?…si Captain Mendoza yun… kung maayos lang ang sagot mo baka ikaw pa ang maging MISS UNIVERSE…kaso palpak…na overwhelme siguro si venus dahil nakapasok ng top5 kaso dun pala uligaga na sya hahahaha
Anong mali sa question? there’s no problem about the question…hindi lang naintindihan ni Venus yung tanong baka lumilipad yung utak nya kasi nakapasok sya sa TOP5.
Hi Rox, hindi naman siguro, I think venus understood it, di lang niya na-express the way she wanted to. And I think she really was over=whelmed… This is why I lean toward getting a translator for our girls…
Sayang naman Venus sana hindi ka na overwhelm dahil nakapasok ka sa TOP5, nawala ka sa sarili mo sa Q & A.
Hahahaha! Venus was laughing about it when they interviewed her after the pageant…
haayy sayang..we’re almost there..if not for that “major major” answer.. dapat eto na lang sinagot ni Venus Raj ” My mistake is i never had mistakes, which is why its a mistake to ask me this, and as a result, my answer look like a mistake now! thanks to u, Mr. Baldwin! chill..hahaha!
yyou haaaa!!!!
wel kahit ilang “major major problems.,.. blessed parin ka pah rin for winning the 4th runner up.,.
U MADE THE FILIPINOS PROUD!!!!!
KIPI’T UP.
nagets ko naman yung sagot nya kaya lng di nya nai-convey nang mabuti ang thoughts nya….
pero ok na din yun kesa sa wala… i hate interpreters talaga… sana mag-take ng effort din ang ibang delegates to speak english para fair. kasi kung may interpreter nagkakaroroon sila ng time to think about what would they further say.
in fairness naman kay venus …
I think her being a runner up was a major major relief sa hostage taking kagabi….
Nashock at natakot talaga ako but my spirit was rekindled with her major major achievement today!
go venus!
It certainly was not a minor minor achievement!!!
I’m proud of Venus Raj kahit na mababaw ang sagot nya.
History repeats itself in the end…
.
Remember Merriam Quiambao? Muntik na rin syang manalo, kaya lang, maling sagot din…Sayang naman ang ganda ng mga kandidata natin kung ganito ng ganito lagi ang mangyayari sa question and answer portion…sana lesson na ito sa mga susunod pa…building confidence ( siguro more exposure sa media para mawala ang kaba…) at more training sa mga pagsagot sa common questions sa pageant…i think dito sa huli kulang talaga tayong mga pinoy sa kalaliman, kaya nabablangko sa pagsagot…kung mapapansin nyo, very witty and creative lagi kung sumagot ang mga taga-ibang bansang kandidata. Siguro kung matututo lang sana ang mga kandidata natin na magkaron ng substance, hindi lang beauty at appeal…
This is an interesting opinion regarding Venus’ interview:
“I believe the question given to Miss Philippines is an awful and dreadful question. No girl has ever won answering that question in any pageant that I can recall -except for 2001 when all the girls were asked the same question and all answers were similar except for India’s. She ended up as 4th RU despite answering straight from the heart with an honest reference to her childhood. I think no matter how Philippines answered it, she wouldn’t have placed higher than 2nd RU (the judges already had Jamaica and Mexico pegged as the top two by the evening gown segment). Taliana in 2008 had a similar fate with a similar question, but she was a clear favorite ahead of Dayana hence her 1st RU finish because of her mediocre answer and delivery. The question is pageant patty, and has no right or wrong answer -because it’s personal -but it all boils down to delivery and if the judges like you. Really, that particular question is a death trap. You can almost always guarantee the girl will finish last if she unfortunately gets that question. It might sound easy but being under pressure, having a few seconds to unearth a personal experience in your long-term memory bank in front of hundreds of people awaiting for your response, is difficult. I believe questions that pertain to the issues facing society is easier to answer because it’s a matter of giving an answer basing on the common good or law.
Mexico was the hands down favorite from the beginning. Even though she didn’t really answer the question either she still won! I think Ukraine gave a better answer to her question than Mexico, but it was her delivery that knocked her down. If the results were really solely based on the final Q&A, Australia would have had the crown in the bag. She had the best delivery and the best answer. In the end, your chance of winning the crown is based on the judges’s taste and what they are looking for in a woman as a whole. Mexico had the complete package -hence she won.”
– Justin (a poster at the USB messageboard)
That is an EXCELLENT opinion/analysis! Thanks for posting this. It’s true that Mexico was the favorite from the beginning as you can see in the scores she got in the gown and the swimsuit competitions here…
sayang lang… she could have won…
well..
Let’s just be proud that venus has brought another honor to the Philippines.
just imagine how difficult it is to be on the top 5 out of 80 Miss U contestants.
we’re so proud of you Ma. Venus Raj…
Orgullo kan mga Bicolano… Uragon ka talaga.!!
(sorry i had to re-post this- i typed in your other entry)
Anyway….congratsss Venus
Common guys- that was a difficult question….if you’re asked what is the biggest mistake you have done- what would u have answered?…… Would u say I killed someone? I raped someone? I had premarital sex? I robbed people? IT IS TRICKY…. AND IT IS VERY PERSONAL…Even if you say simple mistakes like ” I did not listen to my mom when she told me not to smoke, do drugs or or steal…. or I lied to my mother, or I rebelled against my superior. YOU CANNOT come out nice in the question!!! If you are honest- you might reveal information that can be used against you for the rest of your life- if you try to sanitize your answer- you will come out as someone pretentious…
It was a trap- and no one will come out of it alive…. remember how girls are asked about the biggest problem their country? How can you answer that without revealing to the world about what they should hate about your country?….. This was asked is many pageants, and it still the worst question you could get.
I felt the question was unfair- What if the girl has done nothing wrong- COME TO THINK OF IT- Venus has done everything right- she is where she is right now becoz she has not done “major major” mistakes(s)!!! and What even if she does, do you expect her to reveal to the universe?
ANYWAY- CONGRATSSSS to VENUS!!! you deserve all the love we can give
There is something I teach my students who are applying for jobs and are faced with questions that force you to incriminate yourself: talk about a ‘sin’ that’s not too evil and tell them how you overcame it.
For example: One of the biggest mistakes in my life was believing what all the other kids in school called me. They said I was ugly and stupid. And I lived under that kind of thinking for a long time until I realized that I have value because I was created for a reason and a purpose. I am NOT ugly and NOT stupid. I am BEAUTIFUL and SMART. Or else I wouldn’t be standing before you today.
I always tell my students that all they need is a bit of fancy mouth-work to ace a job interview.
bravo Ms Joyce
maybe Venus could have said- that when she was growing up-people convinced her that becoz she is very poor- she is ugly and stupid- and she will not get anywhere far……and her big mistake was to believe it at one point in her life….. and because she was a fighter she convinced herself otherwise and look at where she is right now!!!- that would have been one for the books!!!
but will all due respect- i would really want to believe that her answer is sincere- I agree to the qualification of major mistake- maybe she thought it is something that compromises her values…..and given that short time to think…..the best way to tell a girl is really just to be herself……bottom line- that was a very difficult question-even Venezuela in 2005 with all her training could not come up with an acceptable answer on a similar question.
I remember its like the questioned in MW 2000- from Ms India “If ignorance is a bliss- then why do we seek knowledge?”- WOW- you want a girl to loose- ask her something like this or maybe just ask her to say something bad about herself or her country……..
This was the problem with pageants before- so MU started asking very simple questions like “what makes you blush?” but now, Trump wants to set a trap for the girls so they can be talked about even after the pageant!!! I believe that there was no intention to trap Venus but it was nonetheless the result.
Oh, no, I totally agree with you that Venus was so sincere and wonderful, you could see her heart and we all understood what she meant. And under that kind of duress, it is DIFFICULT to come up with half an answer to say the least. I just came up with that answer to show that questions that are ‘designed’ to bury you can still be deflected by a good answer.
And i agree with you that I don’t think there was any intention to trap her…
and, Venus didn’t sound or act trapped either. She was so exuberant nga diba?
Guess she will have a good answer now should she be asked the same question in future: My one mistake in life was to be major major star struck in the Ms Universe finals and it cost me the crown …
Even if Venus was best in the Q&A, it would still have been a tough battle because Mexico and Jamaica both topped the gown and swimsuit scores which are crucial for the crown. Venus was 3rd in swimsuit and 5th in gown. (I know, I can’t believe she was only 5th in gown
…) anyway, she might have gotten 2nd runner up or 3rd runner up if she gave a stronger answer. Click on this site to see in detail the scores I mentioned.
“major, major…” now i know what to name my puppy… i’m gonna name him “major” in honor of ms. universe 2010 4th runner up, maria venus raj!
It’s hard to be judgmental. Let her shine! Welcome her as if she brought the most precious bacon in the world.
Congrats Ms. Raj!
yummmy!
watch the ‘Miss Universe’ Replay at http://popcornmoviez.com/watch-miss-universe-2010-replay-online
^correct!!… all of the things that you want to happen can be really difficult given the pressure, the tension, the stress that Venus has during the pageant…
She happened to have the most difficult question.
I guess even Miss Mexico happen to encounter with the question will also have a difficult time.
Can you, out of nowhere, flash back your life and answer the question in 30-second time???
No matter how prepared you are. It’s difficult
Of course, all of the answers you’ve suggested already filtered in your mind now the pageant is over. There should be mprovement there, she should have answer this and that…
I think this is a common denominator among most of our representatives. Remember Miriam Quiambao? The crown slipped away from her. They trip during the Q& A portion. Even if she has not committed a major blunder in her life, she could have addressed it as – People make mistakes in their lifetime. And if I did, I would take this as an opportunity for learning and from that mistake I would try to evolve as a better person. She has grace, she is regal and the title was hers to lose.
Even if Venus topped the Q&A, it would still have been a tough battle because Mexico and Jamaica both topped the gown and swimsuit scores which are crucial for the crown. Venus was 3rd in swimsuit and 5th in gown. (I know, I can’t believe she was only 5th in gown
…) anyway, she might have gotten 2nd runner up or 3rd runner up if she gave a stronger answer. Click on this site to see in detail the scores I mentioned.
Suggested answer for she could have said:
My biggest mistake in life was my dethronement due to the inconsistencies with my declared nationality in the Ms. Philippines Pageant. I accepted my mistake, prayed, worked hard, and fought to redeem my rights and follow my dreams. Nothing can stop my destiny for I firmly believe that the most beautiful planet in the UNIVERSE is… “Venus”. (what ya think?)
Lesson learned: Relax & Focus
Whatever happened be proud and cheer her up, for she represented our country very well.. Congratulations! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!
Suggested answer for she could have said:
My biggest mistake in life was my dethronement due to the inconsistencies with my declared nationality in the Ms. Philippines Pageant. I accepted my mistake, prayed, worked hard, and fought to redeem my rights and follow my dreams. Nothing can stop my destiny for I firmly believe that the most beautiful planet in the UNIVERSE is… “Venus”.
(what ya think?)
Lesson learned: Relax & Focus
Whatever happened be proud and cheer her up, for she represented our country very well.. Congratulations! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!
Hahahahaha! It can’t get more UNIVERSAL than that!!!
Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!!!
Ukraine said as long as it’s for security purposes, she’s all for it. This means she’s comfortable enough about being scanned. She DID answer the question.
napakaraming nag-mamagaling na tao, akala nman nila masasagot nila ng spontaneous yung ganung klaseng tanong.. dapat let’s just all be proud of Venus period, hindi na kelangan ipag-ulit ulitin pa yung mga words na nagamit nya to express herself dahil sa mixed emotions, pressure, nerbyos..atleast hindi sya na-tameme dahil mahirap nman talaga yung tanong and anyway it’s done..and getting the fourth runner up in miss universe is not easy, yun ngang mga matatalino at MAGAGALING mag-english na contestants noon ni hindi nasama sa top 15 eh. nakakalungkot lang na kapwa pilipino pa ang humuhusga sa kapwa pilipino..
Pancake, yes that was one tough question ha. We can all compose answers because we don’t have a time limit…. but Venus just had moments. A great job and something for all of us to be proud of!
nice idea JAY… i think that is something Filipino should realize!
I read from other sites how people are bashing Venus. I personally think that she did a very good job.She answered as best she could. She was eloquent in expressing what she felt.And frankly, it is very nerve racking to be infront of an audience. I used to do beauty pageants during my heyday. SO…. give the GIRL a break.She did the country proud.
Dale, seems like in my blog there are more people supportive of her.
ANd yes she made me proud yesterday!!!
congratulations to venus raj! you made the whole bicolanos /and all filipinos proud of you.
ang hirap kaya makapasok sa top five sa miss U. the last one was Miriam Quiambao. HUwag nang itrivialize ang “major major” kasi ang totoo , major accomplishment yun na hindi nagawa nung iba pang pinay miss U contestants after miriam quiambao. at pinaglaban nya ang title na yan ha kahit gusto siyang i boot out, yan ang politika sa loob ng philippine beauty pageant. if hindi siya nanindigan, meron bang major accomplishment ngayon ang binibining charity, WALA!!!!!
as for baldwin’s question, ang hirap kaya sagutin yun, magrecall ka pa? sobrang personal , kahit si PNOy pag tinanong ng ganun, mag – iisip muna, hahaha…..
HAHAHAHAH! I’m sure PNOY would fumble with that one
and he would look awful in a bikini too. Anyway lets give two cheers for VENUS!!! MAJOR MAJOR!!! Thanks for all the hard work girl, we love you!
to regret is a waste of time!!!!
lets all cheer for venus raj!!!!!!!
All I can say: Venus you rock! I love you very much in major major ways! God bless you. : )
LOLOLOL!!! Agree ako dyan
I think there’s nothing wrong with Venus answer is just that she did not justify and elaborate that. Nina’s answer will do. Its because the word major is somewhat broad it can mean everything. So dapat nagbigay na lng ng example si Venus and concentrate on that and her dethronement is the best example and I think during that part of the pageant that is what’s everyone is waiting for Venus to answer. Naging maugong ang name nya not only sa Pilipinas because of that.
I think aside sa sobra kaba nya which is very obvious nung tinawag sya sa Top 5(i saw her holding her gown) masyado sya na-overwhelm sa takbo ng mga pangyayari, the support of the people and the fact that she’s in the top 5.
Oo nga, she was overwhelmed. But it was a GOOD kind of overwhelmed.
to be fair with Ms.Raj’- the questioned asked by Mr.Baldwin was indeed a very tricky question. Nothing to be ashamed of. She represent the Philippines pretty well — and the whole Asia for that matter.
This calls for a major, major celebration!
Too be fair with Ms.Raj’- the question asked by Mr.Baldwin was indeed a very tricky question. Nothing to be ashamed of. She represented the Philippines pretty well — and the whole Asia for that matter. I was thinking though, that I she instead mentioned “MISTAKE” than “PROBLEM” –it would’ve been a good answer.
But hey, the girl’s not dumb –she’s a cum laude for geez sake. She’s just nervous and English is not her 1st language.
Still, we’re very proud of her.
This calls for a major, major celebration!
Hello ABQ readers and friends in my ‘living room’… please read the comment policies of this blog: http://adventuresofabeautyqueen.com/guidelines-policies-on-comments/
I am very sad because some people have put the importance of a crown above the importance of a human being’s dignity and and above respect for race and mixed blood. Please leave your mean comments in someone else’s blog.
The mills of God grind slowly, but they grind exceedingly small…
Venus has finally broken the Philippines’ 11-year drought in the Miss Universe pageant and she did it with aplomb. Her answer to the final question was honest and direct, although it does polarize opinions. The use of a Filipino interpreter would have made strategic sense — this would have given Venus almost a full minute to digest the question while it was being translated into Filipino! Miss Mexico (who won) speaks English but preferred to have a Spanish interpreter precisely for this reason! Another factor to consider here is that based on the finalist’s competition scores, Mexico and Jamaica consistently tied for first place, Australia and the Philippines tied for second, and Ukraine third. So based on the numerical scores and provided that all five finalists gave answers of equal weight, Venus was projected to win either the 2nd or 3rd -runner up position. This means, bottom line, is that her answer really did not matter in the end in terms of winning the crown. However, in one of the toughest competitions ever in the pageant’s history with some of the most beautiful candidates to ever field the pageant, Venus being able to land a spot in the top five is a major, major accomplishment! Ironically, Venus’ controversial answer is getting her almost as much press coverage as Miss Mexico! Congratulations, Venus!
When you say Venus’ controversial answer is getting her press coverage, do you mean coverage in the Philippines or elsewhere?
Venus’ answer received a lot of media coverage (press and TV) here in the U.S. I’m in California. Donald Trump should be happy. Thanks to her, the post-pageant coverage got an extra boost.
Oh, I forgot to add — many Jamaicans feel that Miss Jamaica’s answer to her final question cost her the crown! Check it out. Many Jamaicans blame Miss Jamaica’s answer (mentioning God!) as the reason for her not winning the crown. Some of the commentators said “religion and politics will always bury you!” or “repeatedly mentioning God is politically incorrect”, or “her honest answer was her problem.” Think how Miss Jamaica must feel! To think that this is the closest Jamaica has ever come to winning the crown! So there you have it. I guess you can’t please everybody. Well, at least there’s this one consolation for Jamaica — Miss Universe Organization has offered them the chance to host the pageant in 2011 or 2012.
OUCH! Yes, that must be painful for Yendi. But if she is a true believer then the opportunity to talk about her faith, even for just a little bit, will be her true reward that is better than a crown.
Just my two cents…
“The question, at least to me, implied that airport scanners could see one’s naked body. Of course, most of us know they can’t….”
I would just like to correct your statement above. For your information, in the U.K. they have introduced body scanners at airports which can see-through your clothes. Jane Seymour asked this questions to Ms Ukraine as she is British and she knows that there are divided opinions about body scanners…. I just thought I would let you know as you do not appear to know about this airport body scanners that can see your body parts
Thanks MATT!!! That is amazing. And I am living under a rock…. well, I don’t mind if they see my body parts as long as we are all safe
i think venus did a good job! she’s the only asian candidate who made in the top 5. being a runner-up is such a big achievement, because way back on 1999 (miriam quiambao) Philippines is craving for the ms. universe title, and now venus raj successfully finished in magic circle of 5. about her answer, may be she could have been elaborated it more, but what counts is that after a hard sojourn for ms. universe, she showed the real beauty of Filipinas. Mabuhay Venus! mabuhay Pilipinas.
it was an answer that came from her heart and not her head.i think what mattered to the judges was on how she answered the question and not on her answer.anyway she fought a good fight and that’s a major accomplishment.
With this “major, major” experience, maybe Bb. Pilipinas Charities should explore the possibility of using an interpreter for international pageants.
When you’re in that kind of pressure, I think you can express yourself in the native tongue. Look at Venezuela and other Spanish speaking countries, they always have interpreters and they usually win or place in the finals.
Maja — I agree completely. Philippine candidates should utilize Filipino interpreters in all international pageants as part of their strategy. Among the top five, Venus was the only one who did not answer in her native language:
Mexico = Spanish
Jamaican = English Patois (English lexified creole)
Urkaine = Urkanian
Australian = English
The Bb Pilipinas organizers should eliminate this unnecessary handicap.
of all the pageants ive watched over the years, the bb. pilipinas bet to miss world 93 – ruffa guttierez gave the best answer of them all – still she didnt didn’t get the crown. for me it was the best answer in any pageant. if judges had already someone in their mind, their favorites would get through.
in ms. universe, where the pageant is dominated by latin americans and the usa, venus fought hard. she made herself visible and entertaining, even going far as winning a chicken wing eating contest before the prelims, which proved that she would do and give everything what she can.
she stood out from the rest, gave the other girls a BIG SCARE. not because she came directly from a beauty school, had tons of surgeries, a hometown favorite, a professional model blah blah. she gave everyone a scare because she came as what she is. a woman who came from an underprivileged family – with so many challenges in life, dethroned, so many criticisms she recieved because she wan an illigitimate daughter, not a pure filipino blah blah.
but she overcame them all and rose like a phönix from the ashes. she gave everyone a scare. she even outshone miss venezuela who came from a powerhouse of beauties.
as for her answer, it may be the “easiest” question for all the finalist, but it is the hardest to answer and venus answered it honestly that she didnt made any major mistake. now why would she lie and make up something which is not? that is for me – a true miss universe, pure and simple.
i commented to you joyce a long time ago about venus’ dethronement blah blah. and i was positive she would pull through and she did.
venus is a once in a lifetime candidate, i think we would never see a candidate anyone like her in the near future and beyond. someone who had guts and determination combined with a pure heart and astounding beauty. venus is grain of sand, which took millions of years for the universe to create.
to venus,
do not mind your criticisms, for the people who criticize you, never in their dreams would they accomplish what you’ve accomplished. if it is the will of someone from above that you did not won the crown but almost at the reach of it, the heavens have probably something bigger in store for you. you are a simple woman who has dreamed of becoming a beauty queen and made it. you are an inspirtation to many underprivileged filipinos who dream of something that would change their lives, whether it would be joining beauty pageants, excelling in school or or or or. you proved that being underprivileged is not a hindrance to achieving a dream. you shone like the brightest planet in the galaxy for which you are named. you are not a simple woman anymore. you are THE VENUS RAJ.
congratulations my miss universe.
Yes I remember that you said she would pull through. You mention the criticisms against her, well, thankfully in this blog, almost all the comments are supportive of her. There are a few teasing ones and some that are on the verge of not-so-nice, but over-all I think most Pinoys know that her achievement is something to be proud of!!!
at least venus answered the question. yes, it would’ve been better if she explained it further. but then again, anyone would have been nervous too.
miss mexico’s answer seemed vague and absurd to me! the question was: what’s the EFFECT of unsupervised internet usage (or something like that..). her answer was: we should be more responsible in using the internet blah blah blah… she NEVER mentioned any EFFECT at all! I was waiting for it…nothing! she never answered what was being asked! and a lot of people seem to think she answered better than venus raj?!?! ABSURD!
Yep, you are right about Spain not talking about the effects of unsupervised internet usage among the youth…
just my two cents:
yes, she did make it to the top 5, but what i don’t get is that hindi nya na lang nilubos-lubos? she was already there, and to think, the question was actually very common and simple. i’ve been asked of that in one of my job interviews and i believe that such a personal question is easier to answer than one pertaining to social issues that you may be unaware of. it’s not necessary to have to dig through your pool of memories, but since it’s about a personal experience, something would eventually pop up in you mind.
the word ‘biggest’ is an adjective, which is also subjective. the biggest for one may not be that big for another (or for william baldwin). what’s important is that you answer the question honestly. i’ve seen one news clip where Venus was branded as “Ms. Perfect?”, and another news clip where she was interviewed and still ‘confidently’ saying that she doesn’t consider a mistake as a mistake for she turns it into something positive. OMG, Ms, Perfect! that could’ve been the perfect answer. what was THAT mistake and how did you TURN it into something POSITIVE? (even if that wasn’t that big of a mistake, it’s better than saying that you never had any mistake or just wouldn’t admit to it)
oh well, maybe someday, when she gets old and asked the same question, she can already answer it: one MAJOR MAJOR mistake in her ‘n’ years of existence!
Hey, I’m getting old, ask me a tough question, hehehehe…
Though I did not watch the whole thing… just the clip… I am sure that she did her best at that point in time. The question was viable and it does take some time to collect one’s thoughts and openly admit to one’s flaws. In Ms. Raj’s belief, she had no flaws based on the foundation of love and support that she has received from family, friends and supporters… then so be it.
I am sure that most negative critiques would have been frozen on the spot if they were in Ms. Raj’s shoes… 4th runner up is a lot closer than the rest of the nations!
Congratulations to Ms. Raj.
madmaus — I completely agree. 4th runner up is nothing to sneeze at. Venus outraced some of the favorite frontrunners like Albania, Colombia, Puerto Rico and Ireland and made it to the top 5. That’s truly an amazing feat and something she should be very proud of.
This pretty much sums up the major major issue. I am glad that it was not me on that stage. Even news reporters realize that this is not an easy question
Yep we are so proud that Venus got more attention than Miss Mexico the winner!!!
Thanks for posting the youtube above!
Congrats to you.Venuz Raj……I LOve Your answer.”MAjor-Major”.BE PROUD………..
Reminding ABQ readers that my blog is like my living room. Walang bastusan. If you want to call Venus names and put her down, please do it on your own blog. Here is my comments policy guide which i am going to link here for the nth time for those of you who obviously don’t read things carefully and yet dare to put others down.
dilang pala cumlaude si venus double major pa!!!!congrats ven!
LOLOLOLOL!
regardless of how and what she answered, she placed. we had sent delegates for the past decade who’s suppose to be “fluent” but where did they end up? t was featured on abc news that even the president of the US, George Bush had trouble answering the same question.
fact of the matter is, she stood out among the rest of the semi finalists and mighty proud of her!
YES! I loved that ABC News feature!!!! It was a bit catty at the start but as the story continued, it clearly showed just how tough questions like that are so tama ka talaga Erwin, Venus stood out and even got more publicity than Miss Universe 2010 Jimena Navarrete from Mexico
omg. you replied!thanks very much in a major major way!
Question: What is one big mistake that you made in your life,
and, what did you do to make it right?
Here’s my comment: ‘should capitalized on her previous problem on conflict of legitimacy of being Filipino citizen, to win the sympathy of the judges.
Best answer: One big mistake that I did in my life was my failure to settle my questionable birth record beforehand, that temporarily took hold of my crown as Bb. Filipinas Universe. Furthermore, almost ban me to represent our country to this contest.
So, what I did is to work for all of the pertinent documents that prove that I am a legitimate Filipino citizen.
Niiiiiiice answer Rey!
[...] the Philippines was abuzz over the Major Major 4th Runner-up victory of Venus Raj in Miss Universe 2010 in Las Vegas, another Bicolana beauty contestant was also winning recognition [...]
[...] mistakes in life, right? Venus fans, on the other hand said she had a great answer. But most Pinoy commenters on my blog generally agreed that Venus Raj’s answer brought home the Miss Universe 4th Runner-up sash [...]
[...] Venus Raj’s Major Major answer that rocked our universe, we have a new issue raging among pageant fans – Australia’s [...]
[...] the Major Major 4th Runner-up victory of Venus Raj in the Miss Universe 2010 beauty pageant, is Czarina Gatbonton pressured to match that achievement [...]
[...] time to really bond with them. Pag-dating ko, Czarina (Gatbonton) was so busy getting ready to go, Venus (Raj) just got back from her big success so she’s always been gone. So we haven’t really had [...]
[...] Universe 2010 was so… erm… controversial that within minutes of her response, the term “Major, Major” became the top search on Google and Twitter. Venus Raj’s answer also sparked news features in [...]
[...] Universe 2010 was so… erm… controversial that within minutes of her response, the term “Major, Major” became the top search on Google and Twitter. Venus Raj’s answer also sparked news features in [...]
nagkamali lang naman po ng grammar si venus..e most of americans nga di marunong magsalita ng filipino.
Technically, the term major, major is not a grammar error… one of the books in the Left Behind series uses “major, major” in one of its lines. And I majorly, majorly agree with you that being able to speak English well is not necessarily a sign of being brainy…
[...] (Bb. Pilipinas World 2010) and Venus Raj, the Bicolana who made us all proud when she placed 4th runner-up in Miss Universe 2010. L-R Madame Stella Araneta, MJ Lastimosa, Venus Raj, Czarina Gatbonton, Isabella Manjon, Dianne [...]
[...] is sports journalist Dyan Castillejo. I also look up to our two Miss Universe mega-winners Venus Raj and Shamcey Supsup who both carry themselves well in a Bikini. Another woman I look up to is [...]
[...] Venus Raj who is a Filipina Indian brought much pride to the Philippines when she grabbed the 4th place in Miss Universe 2010. I just adore her! [...]
[...] the phenomenal back-to-back runner-up placements of Venus Raj (4th RU in Miss Universe 2010) and Shamcey Supsup (3rd RU in Miss Universe 2011), Janine Tugonon admits, she is feeling the weight [...]