Shamcey Supsup, Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2011

It was very kind of Bb. Pilipinas Charities Inc.  to let selected members of the press (including this blogger) to sneak in on Shamcey Supsup’s photoshoot. BPCI will be choosing photos from this session to send as her official registration photos to the Miss Universe Pageant 2011 which will be held in Sao Paolo, Brazil in September.

BPCI’s founder, Madame Stella Araneta was present in a mustard brown jacket and black pants. Her South American hospitality emerged when she personally opened the doors to let us into the Gateway suite where she proudly presented Shamcey Supsup and the rest of her court – Dianne Necio (Bb. Pilipinas International 2011), Isabella Manjon (Bb. Pilipinas Tourism 2011), 1^st Runner-up Janine Tugonon and 2nd Runner-up MJ Lastimosa. Also present were Czarina Gatbonton (Bb. Pilipinas World 2010) and Venus Raj, the Bicolana who made us all proud when she placed 4^th runner-up in Miss Universe 2010.

L-R Madame Stella Araneta, MJ Lastimosa, Venus Raj, Czarina Gatbonton, Isabella Manjon, Dianne Necio

After we all settled down, Shamcey Supsup made her entrance in an aquamarine Cumbia gown. Her figure was still slight as a whisper but I noticed more rounded shoulders and more shapely arms. During the Q&A session she had with the press right before her photoshoot, Shamcey Supsup admitted that “Trainer to the Beauty Queens” John Jay Cuay was pushing her hard in the gym – she’s not the exercising type but with all the tight bodies competing in Miss Universe, Shamcey needs to gain better muscle tone. So far, she’s gained 7lbs (since she won Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2011) by eating more protein and cutting back on rice which is a tough thing for Shamcey Supsup. She said, “I can’t live without rice. It’s the Filipina in me. I need two cups for every meal but now I only have one cup per meal.” She added that she needed to gain about 3 more pounds to reach the goal that John Cuay has set for her.

Shamcey Supsup, Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2011 handles questions from the press with grace!

As I listened to her field questions from the press, half my mind wandered to the first time I saw her in the line-up of final contestants for Bb. Pilipinas 2010. She was my choice for the Universe crown the second I saw her, mostly because of her stunning smile which lights up her face like the spreading an angel’s wings. Now I don’t want to turn poetic on you so let me just say I was pleased as pie when she won the Bb. Pilipinas Universe title that night.

After the pageant, I stumbled upon her Mother (Tita Marcie Supsup) and her Aunt Joan. I spent nearly an hour with these two ladies, partying at one corner of Shamcey’s victory party, rejoicing as we demolished hors d’oeuvres. We also fellowshipped together – I discovered that just like me, they were Born Again Christians and in the course of our conversation, Tita Marcie asked for prayers for Shamcey to always honor God and avoid all the pitfalls she meets on the beauty queen path.

Tita Marcie, who named Shamcey after a character in a Mills and Boon romance novel, said that her daughter was just like Esther in the Bible who was chosen over many other beautiful women by the King to be his bride. But Esther’s story doesn’t end there – she goes on to save her people the Hebrews by convincing the King not to kill them. I wonder if Shamcey Supsup will go on to do even greater things just like Queen Esther…

But my mind wanders. Back at the photo shoot, Shamcey Supsup deftly evades a touchy question – Will she choose to have a translator in the Miss Universe pageant or will she speak in English? After beating around the bush a little she said, “What matters most is the content and not really the medium or the language).” Then she went on in pure Filipino to say that both languages are important. Did she answer the question? Not really. Not even after they asked her a second time, “So will you have a translator?” She continued to hedge the issue most graciously. I think President PNoy should hire her to be his spokesperson.

So many beauty queens! L-R Czarina Gatbonton, Janine Tugonon, Venus Raj, Shamcey Supsup, Dianne Necio, MJ Lastimosa and Isabella Manjon

As she continued to answer questions, I got the feeling she wouldn’t be needing a translator and won’t be asking for one either. Hindi naman kasi talaga niya kailangan. The girl makes sense when she speaks and her grammar is solid. I don’t know why Filipinos are so finicky about English grammar when so many Miss Universe winners don’t even speak English!

Anywhoo, when it comes to Shamcey, I don’t think we need to worry about the Q&A portion. I was quite impressed by her answer to this question: Are there are any Architectural principles that you can apply to her beauty queen stint?

Without batting a lash extension, Shamcey quickly said,

“Yes, like symmetry and beauty – two important things in Architecture. Foundation is also very important. If you build a beautiful house, what use would it have if the foundation was weak? It would only be destroyed by floods and earthquakes.”

I told you she was a fast one!

But, as one commenter on my blog said, it’s not about how academically smart a contestant is; it’s about her beauty and competitiveness. I tend to agree with that opinion – Shamcey Supsup’s Magna Cum Laude honors in Architecture won’t win her the Miss Universe 2001, however, she will have to use her brains to strategize how to present herself before the judges.

Shamcey Supsup, Bb. Pilipinas 2011 (left) with Adventures of a Beauty Queen blog author Joyce Burton Titular

If I were in her shoes, this is what my strategy would be – I wouldn’t focus much on announcing my coconut’s contents. Instead, I’d maximize my best physical assets by being fierce on stage. When off-stage I’d be Miss Congeniality. And when facing the judges, I’d be smiling like there’s no tomorrow, enjoying my beautiful self and the people around me.

So, Shamcey Supsup has her work cut out for her – she still has days of training to go before she leaves for Miss Universe 2011. Currently, she’s studying Spanish and Portuguese, working out and dieting, practicing her catwalk and posing, and – dig this – she’ll be undergoing some further training with ABS-CBN. No details were given about it but it was confirmed by Stella Araneta that ABS-CBN will help her get comfortable strutting her stuff in front of TV cameras. Sounds exciting to me!

Shamcey Supsup, Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2011 (left) with Venus Raj, 4th Runner-up Miss Universe 2010. Venus is training Shamcey in her catwalk and posing techniques.

While I (and all pageant fans are excited) Shamcey says her own excitement is tempered by the pressure of meeting expectations – specially since Venus Raj gave us a major, major 4^th runner-up victory in Miss Universe last year. I know it’s not fair to compare because we all have our own journeys to walk but it is very human to want our current queen to do better than previous one. I think it’s okay to want that, but I don’t think it’s okay to expect it.

Well, so there, we’ve gotten to know Shamcey Supsup a little more – here’s looking forward to the Miss Universe 2011 pageant and millions of TV channels all over the world flashing her smile on screen… a smile that’s just like the spreading of an angel’s wings.

Thanks to Madame Stella Araneta, Tessa Mangahas, Gus de Castro and Liliana of BPCI for your awesome hospitality!

Shamcey Supsup, Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2011... the best of luck to you!

Danielle Castaño representing the Philippines in Ms World 2008 in South Africa

While I was in the middle of a meeting with ‘Fitness Coach to the Beauty Queens,’  John Jay Cuay, I had the unexpected pleasure of meeting Danielle Castaño – THE beautiful 1st Runner-up in the 2008 Bb. Pilipinas beauty pageant. She was also the candidate who took the place of the infamous Janina San Miguel in the Ms World 2008 (remember her on youtube?).

Anywhoo, Danielle had just come from Gold’s gym – she’s been working out in recent days to shed a few pounds (which I swear were invisible!!!). The first thing I noticed about her is that without make-up she looks like a little girl who can steal your heart without you knowing it. But if you scan her fashion photos online, Danielle Castaño is all grown up, 100% woman and oozing with sex appeal (sorry couldn’t think of a better line, but it IS true!)

Danielle Castaño with blogging beauty queen Joyce Burton Titular (that's me!)

From Beauty Queen to Actress.

Danielle Castaño joined me and John Cuay at the cafe where we were meeting and told us about her most recent project – starring in Cinemalaya’s historical film titled “Ang Paglilitis ni Andres Bonifacio” (“The Trial of Andres Bonifacio”) which is her second movie. (“Ang Paglilitis….” will be shown in July pa so don’t go looking for it yet ha?)

Danielle Castaño as Gregoria de Jesus

In the movie, Danielle Canstaño plays the role of Gregoria de Jesus (aka Oryang), wife of Andres Bonifacio while Alfred Vargasplays Andres and Lance Raymundo takes on the contrabida role of Emilio Aguinaldo. (hmmm…. I always thought Aguinaldo was a good guy – I mean, we even have a CAMP named after him right? So why is he a contrabida in this movie? I think the blogging beauty queen needs a MAJOR HISTORY LESSON. Or better yet, I’ll just watch “Ang Paglilitis ni Andres Bonifacio” when it comes out in July 2010.)

My biggest question was this: how did Danielle Castaño, a beauty queen, land such a serious role in such a serious movie so quickly in her career?  We saw her first in the light romantic comedy, “Love Online”.

Then suddenly, she’s cast in a crucial supporting role in a historical film. How did THAT happen?

THE Audition.

Danielle Castaño says she heard that Cinemalaya was holding auditions for someone to replace Angel Locsin, the original choice to play the role of Andres Bonifacio’s wife. On a lark, she decided to go for it and was stunned to find HUNDREDS of girls lined-up along with her for the 2-day audition at the Cultural Center of the Philippines – it was worrisome indeed because aside from the huge number of hopefuls, many of them were famous actresses.

When they finally called Danielle Castaño’s number (which was like #110 or something) she walked into a room to face a panel of interviewers – including award-winning Filipino director Mario O’Hara who was (I surmise) the most important guy on the long table.  “Ang Paglilitis ni Andres Bonifacio” was his movie to direct after all.

They asked her tons of questions. But the one question she remembered was from Direk Mario O’Hara who had tailed her after the interview and asked, “What would you do to get this role?”

Danielle Castaño gave a very simple answer. She said she would study the role hard and be dedicated. She would also strive to learn all the hard words in the script and assured Direk Mario O’Hara that she was not hard to teach. Throughout it all, Danielle Castano felt unnerved by his sharp eyes. Direk Mario  just kept staring at her as if she would disappear like a ghost at any moment.

THE Callback.

Danielle Castaño transforms into Gregoria de Jesus...

Two days later, Danielle Castano received a call; Cinemalaya was asking her to come back for a reading and  another interview!  Although she had high hopes (specially after Direk Mario chased her down after the first interview) she knew that the competition was tough.

In the callback, Direk Mario O’Hara asked her another striking question: “Would you prefer to be a famous actress who is pretty but doesn’t really know how to act or do you want to be known forever as a great actress?

In true beauty queen fashion, Danielle Castaño shot back, “I want to be known as both; I was to be a pretty face and a great actress.”  Bongga dibah?

But of course, Danielle Castaño has had much experience with answering tough questions being a successful Filipina beauty queen so that wasn’t too hard for her. However, the next thing on the plate for her second audition was a reading of one of the more challenging scenes in “Ang Paglilitis ni Andres Bonifacio.”  Oh noes!!!

The scene they made her read called for her to be angry and ‘ma-drama’; although it was overwhelming, Danielle said it was a thrill because Direk Mario O’Hara acted in the scene with her! Now, just to give you a bit of background, Danielle Castaño is NOT a formally trained actress. Furthermore,  she’s never attended any acting workshops or the like. So whatever it was Direk Mario saw in her, it was pure, raw talent.

THE Shooting.

Danielle Castaño only has high praises for Direk Mario. Before filming “Ang Paglilitis ni Andres Bonifacio,” he made sure his ‘jewel in the rough’ was polished enough for her first dramatic role on film. Danielle Castaño was subjected to a grueling one-day acting workshop specifically crafted for her to smoothly step into the role of Andres Bonifacio’s wife.

Danielle Castaño and Lance Raymundo on the set of Ang Paglilitis ni Andres Bonifacio

On the set, Danielle says, Direk is very supportive, very organized and very professional. He would remind her and the other actors to let him know if there were any problems that needed his attention. And when she would struggle with a line, Direk Mario O’Hara would be there to the rescue, to help her internalize and practice.

But the shooting schedule was brutal! Danielle remembers how she quickly learned how to survive on little beauty sleep with shooting days that lasted beyond 24 hours. (Naku, thank God for concealer make-up!)  Then there was all the traveling to locations like Bulacan, Bantangas and Pampanga to film “Ang Paglilitis...”  and of course all the fun moments with her co-actors Lance Raymundo and Alfred Vargas.

So I guess we’ll be seeing a VERY different Danielle on the silver screen when “Ang Paglilitis ni Andres Bonifacio” comes out in July. I JUST love it when beauty queens break stereotypes and kick butt in things other than ‘being beautiful’.  Hooooray for Danielle Castaño!!!

For now Cinemalaya hasn’t made any announcements about the schedule of “Ang Paglilitis…” but Danielle promises to keep readers updated on Adventures of a Beauty Queen. So keep dropping by my blog…

Thanks to Danielle Castano for the photos!!!

Fitness Guru to the Beauty Queens John Jay Cuay!

The first time I met John Jay Jay Cuay,  “Fitness Guru to the Beauty Queens,” was last year when he was training the Bb. Pilipinas batch 2009 headed by the gorgeous Pamela Bianca Manalo. He has been training all Bb. Pilipinas winners since the year Lian Ramos won Bb. Pilipinas Universe in 2006. This year he is busy helping our 2010 Bb Pilipinas winners get buns of steel.

But you DON’T have to join a beauty pageant to get that Perfect Beauty Queen Body! Here’s the secret formula according to John Jay Cuay:

Alright girls—brace yourselves. Do you want to know how beauty queens get their tight abs, toned legs, and shapely arms? Let me warn you—while effective, it’s not pretty, it’s not fun, and it’s not easy. It requires self-control, hard work, and 110% dedication.

Workout Regimen:

* TONS of cardio. Cardio is absolutely crucial if trying to burn off fat!
* Run 3-5 miles six days a week
* I suggest doing cardio in the morning!
* Work out with light weights (3-8 lbs.) three times a week
* Join a fitness club. If you’re not comfortable working out with weights on your own, find some classes to take at the gym that incorporate light weights and high repetitions
* Weekly Pilates class to strengthen the core and lengthen your muscles

Diet Regimen:

* Low Carb! The only carbs I recommend are high fiber cereal and fresh fruit.
* Low Sugar! No candy!
* No Dairy! dairy-free diet makes a big difference
* At least 8 glasses of water a day! No other liquids—that’s right—no alcohol.

In addition, I would like to stress, that it is extremely important to get a solid 8 hours of sleep every night. Working out at that intensity is not only physically but also mentally exhausting. Getting enough sleep can be the difference between total success and total burn-out.

Now this may seem a little bit extreme to you—I know it does to me—after all, not many of us are going to be walking around on a stage in our bikini being scrutinized by hundreds of people anytime soon. I’m not suggesting that you all quit studying and hit the gym for 2 hours a day or cut out dairy, sugar, and bread. But perhaps you can take away from this not only how to get extremely buff-looking (if ever the need arises) but also an appreciation for all of the hard work that goes into physical fitness.

Being a beauty queen isn’t all silly waves and sparkly tiaras—it requires hard work, dedication, and a lot of sweat.

Thank you John for telling us just how hard it is to be a beauty queen. More power to you and the current batch of winners – Ma. Venus Raj (Universe), Krista Arrieta (International), Czarina Gatbondon (World), Dianne Necio (1st Runner-up) and Nikette Henson (2nd Runner-up).

L-R Nikette Henson, Dianne Necio, John Jay Cuay, Ma. Venus Raj and Czarina Gatbondon

Venus Raj (left) and Nikette Henson's friendship has remained strong throught the controversy.

Last night I recieved a text from a newspaper journalist who, just like me,  has been following the story of Ma. Venus Raj and her dethronement-slash-reinstatement as Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2010.

He asked me if I knew anything about the 24-Oras report from GMA7 saying that Nikette Henson is THE one being trained for the Miss Universe this year and not Venus Raj.

I quickly texted a friend at Bb. Pilipinas even if it was past 10pm to verify the news. I haven’t gotten a reply from my friend yet but I think we can piece things together if we do a little sleuthing and sniffing around. Here goes:

Info #1 – According to Ma. Venus Raj in a text (to my newspaper journalist friend) her Philippine passport is almost as good as done. Getting that passport is a condition BPCI laid out for her reinstatement.

Info #2 – The latest press release on the Bb. Pilipinas official website is still the same Press Release stating the conditional re-instatement of Ma. Venus Raj.

Info #3 – Nikette Henson’s FB Status (in reference to the confusion over the GMA 7 report) says: “Clarification: All of us (Venus, Nikette, Dianne, Czarina, Krista) are required to attend the (Bb. Pilipinas) trainings. Sana po huwag muna po tayo magconclude kaagad. Salamat po. “

This is something Nikette Henson clarified with me in this previous post.

Info #4 – Ma. Venus Raj was on Boy Abunda’s Bottom Line program last Saturday, May 1, 2010, where she talked about being very happy about the chance to represent the Philippines in the Miss Universe 2010. She talked about training under BPCI and also mentioned that she is fixing all her documents so she can get a Philippine Passport.

Info #5 – Most of the visitors to the Team Venus Facebook page (search: Petition for Venus Raj to remain as Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2010) have been berating GMA7 for what they believe is irresponsible reporting.

Click here to view that report.

Info #6 – Last April 23, 2010, Fitness Trainer to the Beauty Queens John Jay Cuay did a physical assesment and nutrition counseling, with the current Bb Pilipinas winners, at the BPCI office with Gus de Castro and Madam Stella Marquez de Araneta.

John Jay Cuay (middle) with Bb. Pilipinas 2010 Court of Beauties - L-R Nikette Henson, Dianne Necio, John, Ma. Venus Raj and Czarina Gatbondon

With the above pieces of information I think we can safely say that GMA7′s report seems to be lacking in information at best and totally incorrect at worst. Hoping that 24-Oras and the reporter issue an apology or clarification if the report was indeed faulty.

Anyway, the truth will come out for sure in the days to come.

by Joyce Burton Titular, the blogging beauty queen

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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.