By Armin Adina
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 04:45:00 03/08/2010
Filed Under: Entertainment (general), Fashion, Women
MANILA, Philippines—A farm girl from Camarines Sur won the Binibining Pilipinas-Universe crown Saturday night.
Maria Venus Raj inherited the title from last year's winner Pamela Bianca Manalo in a glittering four-hour pageant at Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Raj, 21, who will compete in the Miss Universe contest later this year, was voted Miss Friendship by fellow candidates. She also won the Best in Long Gown and Best in Terno awards.
Raj, 5-foot-10 and measuring 35-22-35, told the Inquirer: "This victory means a lot to me. All my sacrifices paid off. This is the result of all the support from my family, friends, loved ones … even strangers."
The new beauty queen graduated cum laude with a degree in Communication Arts from Bicol University. She confirmed reports of her humble upbringing.
"Our house is in the middle of a farm in Bato, Camarines Sur. Walking on the borders of the rice paddies (pilapil) was my early training in walking on runways," the part-time model said in English and Filipino. She said that her family still lived on the same farm.
GMA 7 contract artist Krista Kleiner was proclaimed Binibining Pilipinas-International and named Best in Talent and Best in Swimsuit.
Czarina Catherine Gatbonton from Malolos, Bulacan, was the surprise winner of the Binibining Pilipinas-World title. The 19-year-old college student was the only candidate to introduce herself in Filipino. She also answered her question in Filipino. She will compete in the Miss World contest also later this year.
The three titleholders bagged a prize package that included a P250,000-contract with Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc., accident insurance worth P2 million, wardrobe and accessories from Cumbia worth P150,000, as well as cash and products from Natasha worth P50,000.
Raj's fellow Bicolana, 17-year-old Dianne Necio, was first runner-up, while Pampanga's Helen Nicolette Henson was second runner-up. Henson was also named Miss Photogenic, Miss Fit n' Right and Miss Philippine Airlines.
Selena Antonio and Laurese Ann Caparas, who bagged the popularity-based Shoppers' Choice and Texters' Choice awards, respectively, failed to make it to the semifinals.
Actors Dingdong Dantes and Carla Abellana hosted the pageant ceremonies. Broadcaster Mike Enriquez, boxing champ Nonito Donaire and 1970 Miss International Aurora Pijuan were among the judges of the competition televised on GMA 7Congratulations to our kababayan and fellow BUEÑEO MARIA VENUS RAJ (BB. PILIPINAS- UNIVERSE)!!!GO and ROLL OUT BUeños!!!!!
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