Maria Ressa beats Venus Raj as Esquire's Sexiest Woman Alive in the Philippines for 2010

Esquire, a men's magazine in the US, has listed down almost 200
ladies, one from every country, to form part of its "Sexiest Women Alive" list for 2010.

A lot of Miss Universe 2010 candidates made it on Esquire's list just like Miss Trinidad & Tobago LaToya Woods, Miss Albania Angela Martini, Miss Angola Jurema Ferraz, Miss
Belgium Cilou Annys, Miss Botswana Tirelo Ramasedi, Miss Ecuador Lady Mina and Miss Malaysia Nadine Ann Thomas, but for the Philippines, it's not Venus Raj, who finished 4th Runner Up in the pageant, as the sexiest woman in the country.

But she's former CNN correspondent and outgoing ABS-CBN News Head Maria Ressa. Wow, what an odd choice!

According to Esquire, Ressa who despite being small is fearless enough to write an eyewitness account of Al-Qaeda. And for them, it's sexy!

Esquire's picks for other countries include athletes, models, actresses, singers and ex-beauty queens. Among them are singer Rihanna as the sexiest in Barbados, James Bond actress Ivana Milicevic for Bosnia and Herzegovina, supermodel Gisele Bundchen for Brazil, actress Natalie Portman for Israel, Bollywood actress and former Miss World
Aishwarya Rai for India and Miss Universe 2008 Dayana Mendoza for
Venezuela.

Philippines' Maria Ressa isn't the only odd choice in Esquire's Sexiest Women Alive 2010 list. They picked a politician in Afghanistan, an Argentine President, a First Lady in Benin, another journalist from Kazakhstan, a foreign affairs minister of Mauritania
and many more.

At least, it goes to prove that you don't really need to be an actress nor have the face and body of a model or a beauty queen for you to be
called "sexy".

Photo courtesy of AFP / Esquire

Pormang PBA Fashion Show: Basketball Players and Beauty Queens together on the ramp

Fifteen PBA players walked the ramp at the Ali Mall in Cubao last night with the Binibining Pilipinas beauties including Miss Universe 2010 4th Runner Up Maria Venus Raj.

The event was called "Pormang PBA" and featured PBA's star players as they paraded in casual, sports and formal attires.

It was PBA's way to usher its 36th season which officially opens on October 3.

The hottie players led by last season's MVP James Yap were joined on the ramp by Miss Universe 2010 4th Runner Up Venus Raj, Binibining Pilipinas-World 2010 Czarina Gatbonton, Binibining Pilipinas-International 2010 Krista Kleiner and some other beauties.

Watch video of Pormang PBA Fashion Show (courtesy of mabuhaybeauties1)

Did Marian Rivera call Venus Raj "chaka"?

How true is the rumor that Kapuso's Primetime Queen Marian Rivera
allegedly described Miss Universe 2010 4th Runner Up Maria Venus Raj as "chaka" (ugly)?

This rumor has been going the rounds for quite some time now following Marian's reported controversy with co-star Bela Padilla, so I thought it's just one baseless rumor probably started by her detractors.

But just yesterday, Binibining Pilipinas-World 2006 Anna Maris Igpit posted a tweet about it, sharing what a friend told her. She said:
"From a friend: while Marian Rivera was having her make up done for Show Me The Manny taping where Venus Raj was a guest, she suddenly
made a comment 'ang chaka pala ni Venus'! WTF??!"

It allegedly happened during Venus Raj's taping for Show Me Da Manny's
September 5 episode but it's unclear though whether Anna's friend was the one who heard that or just heard of it from someone else.

And then, one Twitter user @KCelma, a fan of Marian, replied to Anna Maris' tweet, defending the Kapuso actress. The exact tweet was:
"@anna_maris for once can u at least give Marian a time to breath, if u dont want marian or u hate Marian so much, well keep it 2 yourself,
bec. if Marian is that bad, well let God decides what and how Marian is become. Try to respect others. Im nt sying bec. Im a fan, im sying
dis bec. U too has your own faults and u too is not perfect!!! Peace."

Anna Maris answered back, "@KCelma I don't hate her. I'm not a fan
either. I was just relaying what my friend told me. I worked with her
a lot of times, I was just surprised."

Yeah, just like Anna Maris Igpit, I'm also surprised to hear that and I'm hoping it's not true at all.

Photo courtesy of GMA 7 via PEP

Venus Raj's gay fans: from Youtube to KFC TVC

The four gay supporters of Venus Raj during the Miss Universe 2010 pageant are now certified commercial models.

Veejay Floresca, Martin Bautista, Lex Librea and Aleq Africa brought laughter to millions of people around the world when they uploaded their fun video "We love you Maria Venus Raj 22 Philippines" on Youtube on the day of the Miss Universe 2010 pageant.

In less than a month, their video now has 2.5 million views and it simply doesn't end there. The four lovely gays are now major major stars in their own TVC. (Naunahan pa si Venus!)

From "We Love You Venus Raj", they're now screaming "We Love You KFC Shakin Shots".

I'm so much happy for them! Watch video:

Video uploaded on Youtube by oneheavysigh

Iza Calzado excited to work with Venus Raj in "Beauty Queen"

GMA 7's upcoming primetime series "Beauty Queen" held its story conference yesterday, September 15, 2010, almost a month before its
expected airing on October 18.

Separated at birth? Maria Isadora Calzado & Maria Venus Raj

Present in the story-con of the teleserye formerly titled "Koronang
Papel" were the cast led by Iza Calzado but not Venus Raj, who's
reportedly joining the show.

On Twitter, Iza has already expressed excitement over the possibility of working with Venus and she said, "Just came from Beauty Queen story conference in GMA! So excited to hear that Venus Raj is joining our cast! Hope you'll like our series."

Also part of the cast is Binibining Pilipinas-World 2008 Maggie Wilson but she isn't sure if Venus is really joining them in the show. "I'm not sure about Venus Raj...she wasn't at the story con earlier... :)"
said Maggie on her Twitter Page.

Tim Yap meanwhile told his Twitter followers that Venus Raj has already made a deal with GMA 7 through Jonas Gaffud's Mercator Model and Artist Management. "Venus Raj finally signs with GMA 7 through Mercator Agency. She'll be in "Beauty Queen" with @MissIzaCalzado." But he deleted that particular tweet minutes later.

I also texted someone close to Venus if it's true that the beauty queen has already closed a deal with GMA and he simply replied, "BPCI ang nagdecide sa mga contracts nya. Binibining Pilipinas is under GMA di ba?"

So, what happened to her supposed entry on ABS-CBN's Magkaribal?

Last September 4, Boy Abunda already confirmed it on The Buzz. "Excited na 'ko sa pagpasok niya sa Magkaribal," he said.

But it seems like she's going in a show that will rival Magkaribal.

If it's indeed true that Venus has signed a deal with the Kapuso, most
of the people who voted on Mykiru's Poll will feel a major, major
disappointment.

I asked them what they like for Venus and a big percentage (71.2%) of the total 493 votes came from people who want her to be a Kapamilya
while only 109 people or 22.11% would like Venus as a Kapuso.

Twenty-two (22) voters or 4.46% meanwhile would not mind if she goes to Kapuso or Kapamilya or any network. As for the remaining 11 votes or 2.23%, they believe Venus is better off as Kapatid or a TV5 artist.

Thank you guys for participating in the poll!

Photos courtesy of Iza Calzado on Multiply and Gayon Bicolandia

Jesinta Campbell clears Venus Raj's name in the "sabotage issue"

Miss Australia Jesinta Campbell has cleared Miss Philippines Venus and also Miss Mexico Jimena Navarrete in the "sabotaging issue" reported
last week.

On her Facebook account the following day, Jesinta denied accusing Venus and Jimena of any sabotaging incident at the Miss Universe 2010 pageant and claims she was just misreported. (Read: Who sabotaged Miss Australia Jesinta Campbell at the Miss Universe 2010 pageant?)

She also considers the two as her good friends and therefore wouldn't do anything bad to her.

But I'm wondering why she didn't include Philippines and Mexico in her earlier interview as among those who she believes won't sabotage her if she thinks they're her good friends. She only mentioned Belgium, Ireland, Great Britain and Guam.

Anyway, here's Jesinta's official statement clearing Misses Philippines and Mexico:

"I would like to say that I have been misreported as saying that my chances at miss universe were sabotaged! I was NOT sabotaged nor do I
think that Miss Mexico or Miss Philippines did anything in anyway awful to me. They are both beautiful young women and I am good friends with them both! The media has blown this out of proportion and I am upset that this happened."

Ok! So hopefully that ends already the issue between Jesinta and
Venus, who both consider each other as a friend.

***

Moving on...

I would like to share this old photo of Venus taken 3 years ago at the Miss Bicolandia 2007 pageant.

Venus looks far different there from what she is now. After 3 years,
she definitely has evolved now into a gorgeous lady and becomes the
only Pinay to reach the Miss Universe semis in the last 11 years.

Photos courtesy of Victor Wagas and Gayon Bicolandia

Venus Raj, guest-of-honor at the Miss Bicolandia 2010 pageant

Maria Venus Raj is back in her hometown, Bato, Camarines Sur, where a special "Venus Raj Day" is being held today to celebrate Venus'
homecoming and her 4th Runner Up victory in the Miss Universe 2010 pageant.

She arrived yesterday at the Naga City airport but before going to Bato, she first graced the Miss Bicolandia 2010 pageant held in the Big Dome of the South, the Naga City Coliseum.

Venus was the pageant's guest of honor and the City Government of Naga
awarded her a Special Mayoral Citation for bringing pride to the
Filipinos and to the Bicolanos.

It's quite interesting that back in 2007, Venus competed in Miss
Bicolandia but she finished only as 2nd Runner Up to Tabetha Jo Frick, who later competed in Binibining Pilipinas 2008 and among the Top 10 semi-finalist.

And that time, people used to describe Venus as simply the "negra" because of her color and curly hair.

I found photos of Venus in the said pageant and look, she was not yet a Miss Universe material that time, but definitely, she already has the great body and nice pair of legs.

And now, for sure, no one would ever dare call Venus as "negra" after showing to the world how beautiful a Filipina is.

Photos courtesy of Irvin Sto. Tomas and mvmeoh

Charice on her "Glee" character: Sunshine Corazon is very, very Charice!

If "major, major" is for Venus Raj and "owver, owver" is for Melai Cantiveros, then Charice also has her own and that is "very, very".

Charice graced the premiere party of "Glee Season 2" yesterday in California and at the red carpet, Charice was asked by a reporter about her character (Sunshine Corazon) in the show.

She said: "I'm very, very happy that my character is Sunshine. Sunshine is very, very Charice, simple one, shy type."

And when asked about Lea Michelle, her rival in Glee, Chariced excitingly said, "We're like frenemies, I think that's the word...and we're gonna sing a very, very big song, Lady Gaga and Beyonce. It's 'Telephone'! So, it's gonna be amazing."

It has actually been Charice's habit to stress the word "very". In May 23, during her album launch in Glorietta, Charice told the audience: "I'm sure matutuwa kayo. A lot of people are talking about this thing. Very, very happy ako na naging part ako...ng...ng...eto."

And also last July 23 in Thailand, she was asked by a Filipino reporter about Sam Concepcion, who beat her in "Little Big Star" five years ago and Charice answered: "Well, I'm very, very proud naman sa kanya."

It has become a Filipino way already to stress a word by repeating it twice, as one UP Professor said in an interview before. And there's actually nothing wrong with that.

But some people are already making fun of it, just like during the time when Venus Raj answered "major major" in the Miss Universe 2010 pageant. (Search "Charice very very" on Twitter. She's also trending there now.).

The said interview with Charice at the red carpet premiere party for Glee was shown on TV Patrol tonight and I was so much impressed with the way she talked. She conversed so well and sounded so good in an American accent. Keep it up Charice!

The 2nd season of Glee premieres September 21, 2010.

Who sabotaged Miss Australia at the Miss Universe 2010 pageant? | Being suspected: Philippines (Venus Raj), Mexico (Jimena Navarrete) etc.

The sweet and lovely Miss Australia Jesinta Campbell is claiming that she was sabotaged at the Miss Universe 2010 pageant held two weeks ago in Las Vegas.

Oh that's not sweet!

Despite finishing 2nd Runner Up and awarded Miss Congeniality, Miss
Australia still could not forget the bitter memories she had during the pageant.

In an interview by Australia's Herald Sun just yesterday, Jesinta revealed that during the pageant, she discovered her national costume was full of pins. And she suspects that it was intentionally done.

Miss Australia isn't pointing fingers to any of her fellow candidates but she did mention about the overly competitive candidates like
Mexico, the Philippines and those coming from Central and South America.

From what I understand, even if she did not say it directly, those
competitive candidates or those associated with them are being suspected responsible for what happened.

"Winning is so important for those girls because they become queens in
their country and are worshipped if they win - and it changes
everything forever for them. But there were 82 other girls there and I can't narrow it down, so it's a mystery to me." Jesinta told Herald Sun.

She then cited the names of the candidates who she believes wouldn't dare do that because they're her best friends. And they are Misses
Ireland, Great Britain, Guam and Belgium.

I don't think that what happened to Miss Australia got something to do with her being a strong contender for the title. Yes, she appeared in
the list of favorites but she was not a huge favorite even if she finished 2nd Runner Up.

Miss Australia was 18th in Global Beauties' leaderboard, 9th in
Missosology's final predictions and even on my own list, she was only 21st.

She didn't appear in the Top 5 of most list of favorites, thus the candidates who should have experienced being sabotaged were Philippines (Maria Venus Raj), Mexico (Jimena Navarrete),
Ireland (Rozanna Purcell) or Russia (Irina Antonenko) and not her, because they were the top favorites to win the crown.

It's interesting that Miss Australia won as Miss Congeniality but a
particular candidate or delegation strongly disliked her, as what
she's claiming.

Jesinta is now an entertainment reporter in Channel 7's The Morning
Show in Australia.

Photo courtesy of Jory Rivera

Confirmed! Venus Raj joining the cast of "Magkaribal"

Miss Universe 2010 4th Runner Up Venus Raj has been confirmed joining the cast of "Magkaribal", the top-rating fashion-serye on ABS-CBN.

Boy Abunda confirmed it on The Buzz this afternoon and it for sure brings excitement to Venus Raj's fans who have been asking for it.

It was actually just a suggestion by the fans and ABS-CBN definitely found it as one great idea.

But I suspect it's just going to be a special appearance, maybe gracing a major major fashion show in "Magkaribal". I hope I'm wrong on this one 'coz it would be better if she's given a special and remarkable role that would have an impact on the lives of Victoria Valera (Gretchen Barretto) and Gelai Agustin (Bea Alonzo).

With Venus being very visible on TV now after the Miss Universe pageant, it appears that BPCI has permitted her to do guestings and appearances as long as she's abiding with her contract with BPCI.

Just lately, Venus was a special co-host on GMA's Unang Hirit and had a live chat with the fans on igma.tv. She was in Eat Bulaga yesterday and tonight, she's guesting on Show Me Da Manny.

Venus also taped an episode for ABS-CBN's Simply KC to be shown tomorrow and on the evening, she will be interviewed on ANC's Talkback with Tina Monzon-Palma. She's super busy!

Btw, have you voted already on Mykiru's Poll about where Venus should go, Kapamilya or Kapuso? If not yet, then vote now. Who knows, it might help her decide someday.

Beauty Queens reign supreme in August 2010

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Poll: Venus Raj - Kapamilya or Kapuso?

Two TV networks reportedly have their offers ready for Miss Universe 2010 4th Runner Up Maria Venus Raj as soon as her contract with the Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc (BPCI) expires 3rd quarter of 2011.

They still have to wait for so long, but it's quite interesting to know where Venus will sign an exclusive contract with.

During the time she was dethroned as Binibining Pilipinas-Universe 2010, Venus first had a live interview on ABS-CBN's The Buzz, then she later guested on GMA 7's Startalk and Showbiz Central. The Kapuso station's public service program "Wish Ko Lang" even had a special episode featuring Venus and her simple life in CamSur.

After that, she was seen on The Bottomline with Boy Abunda in the Kapamilya network.

Before her reinstatement, Venus once guested on ABS-CBN's Wowowee along with other beauty queens, but during the time when BPCI already gave chance to Venus to win back her crown by providing a valid passport, she first guested on GMA's Startalk.

Wish Ko Lang had another episode for Venus when it gave its own send-off party for the beauty queen days before she left for Las Vegas.

ABS-CBN made a coverage of the Miss Universe 2010 pageant where Dyan Castillejo got to interview Venus many times even after the pageant. However, ABS-CBN only had taped interviews with Venus but it was 24 Oras which had a live interview with Venus the day she arrived from Las Vegas.

Last Saturday, Venus appeared on Startalk then she was in Party Pilipinas the next day, followed by a guesting on The Buzz and after a few minutes, she was seen on Showbiz Central.

Hosts of Showbiz Central even asked Venus if she's willing to be an exclusive contract star of GMA 7. Venus wasn't ready yet to talk about it but she said she's so much willing to be a Kapuso.

But days before her Showbiz Central interview, Venus told SNN that her ultimate crush is Kapamilya actor Coco Martin and she wants to work with him soon.

For sure, Venus is already weighing options as to where she will sign an exclusive contract with in 2011.

If you were to decide, where do you want to see Venus or what do you like best for her? Make a choice at the poll below:

ABS-CBN's Miss Universe 2010 telecast wins ratings both in Mega Manila and Nationwide

The telecast of the Miss Universe 2010 pageant on ABS-CBN last Tuesday ruled both in AGB People Ratings (Mega Manila) and Kantar Media Ratings (Nationwide).

The 2010 Miss Universe Pageant shown in the Kapamilya Network was the most watched daytime program last Tuesday as the Filipinos were hoping for Miss Philippines Venus Raj to win the crown but she finished as 4th Runner Up.

And I think, for 4 years that ABS-CBN has been airing the Miss Universe Coronation, it's the first time that the network's telecast of the pageant placed #1 in Mega Manila.

Check out the ratings last Tuesday, August 24: (Top 10 only)

DAYTIME (AGB PEOPLE RATINGS IN MEGA MANILA)
1. 2010 Miss Universe Pageant (ABS-CBN) 10.6%
2. Eat Bulaga! (GMA) 8.5%
3 & 4 Trudis Liit (GMA) & Basahang Ginto (GMA) 6.0%
5. Showtime (ABS-CBN) 5.8%
6. Hole in the Wall (GMA) 5.6%
7. Yaman Ni Lola (GMA) 5.5%
8. He's Beautiful (ABS-CBN) 5.2%
9. Kapuso Movie Festival (GMA) 4.4%
10. Pilipinas Win Na Win (ABS-CBN) 4.3%

PRIMETIME (AGB PEOPLE RATINGS IN MEGA MANILA)
1. 24 Oras (GMA) 16.4%
2. Agua Bendita (ABS-CBN) 15.5%
3. Pilyang Kerubin (GMA) 14.5%
4. TV Patrol (ABS-CBN) 14.4%
5. Noah (ABS-CBN) 14.2%
6. Ilumina (GMA) 13.1%
7. Endless Love (GMA) 13.0%
8. Magkaribal (ABS-CBN) 11.9%
9 & 10 Momay (ABS-CBN) & PHR: Kristine (ABS-CBN) 9.6%

DAYTIME (KANTAR MEDIA NATIONWIDE RATINGS)
1. 2010 Miss Universe Pageant (ABS-CBN) 29.4%
2. Showtime (ABS-CBN) 17.9%
3. Eat Bulaga! (GMA) 15.8%
4. He's Beautiful (ABS-CBN) 14.8%
5. Impostor (ABS-CBN) 13.9%
6. Rosalka (ABS-CBN) 13.8%
7. Basahang Ginto (GMA) 12.8%
8. Hole in the Wall (GMA) 12.3%
9. Pilipinas Win Na Win (ABS-CBN) 12.0%
10. Trudis Liit (GMA) 11.9%

PRIMETIME (KANTAR MEDIA NATIONWIDE RATINGS)
1. TV Patrol (ABS-CBN) 37.1%
2. Noah (ABS-CBN) 35.7%
3. Agua Bendita (ABS-CBN) 34.6%
4. Momay (ABS-CBN) 26.5%
5. 24 Oras (GMA) 26.3%
6. Magkaribal (ABS-CBN) 23.0%
7. Pilyang Kerubin (GMA) 21.8%
8. Ilumina (GMA) 17.9%
9. Endless Love (GMA) 17.8%
10. PHR: Kristine (ABS-CBN) 17.4%

Figures courtesy of Kantar Media & AGB via PEP

Venus Raj Question and Answer Portion in Miss U continues to make headlines

A day after Miss Philippines Maria Venus Raj won as 4th Runner Up in the Miss Universe 2010 pageant, the Filipina-Indian beauty continues to make headlines worldwide.

That's still in connection with her controversial answer during the "question and answer" or the Q&A portion of Miss Universe 2010 where she was asked to cite one big mistake that she made and how did she fix it.

Yesterday, Venus Raj's answer already created buzz on Twitter as among the top 10 trending topics. (Read: Venus Raj "Major Major" answer in the Ms Universe 2010 Q&A Portion is trending on Twitter). Until now, "Major Major" is still trending at #5 with Venus in #10 and that's almost 36 hours already after the pageant night.

The search term "Miss Philippines 2010 answer" even placed 10th in Google Hot 100 Trends worldwide and that's aside from the queries such as "venus raj", "venus raj question and answer", "major major" and "miss philippines" which also among the top trends on Google but were ranked lower.

At one point, Venus was also in the banner story of Yahoo! Homepage.

And up to now, Miss Philippines 2010 Venus Raj continues to make headlines as some foreign news and gossip sites continue to tackle her "question and answer" portion during the Miss Universe 2010 Finals. Read these articles:

(Associated Content) Did Miss Philippines 2010 Answer Cost Her Miss Universe Crown?
(The Blemish) Miss Philippines needs to pay attention
(ABC News) Miss Philippines Said She'd Never Made a Major Mistake, Ruining Chance of Winning Beauty Pageant
(Examiner)Miss Philippines makes biggest mistake of her life at 2010 Miss Universe Pageant
(Zap 2 It) Miss Philippines 2010 vs. irony: The answer that cost her Miss Universe
(Jack Times) Miss Philippines 2010 Answer Made Her Lose Crown
(Best Week Ever) Miss Philippines Has Never Made A Mistake. Except For This Answer
(The News of Today) 2010 Miss Philippines, Venus Raj’s Answer Costs Her Crown
(The Epoch Times) Miss Universe 2010: Miss Philippines Venus Raj Stumbled on Question
(News Provider) Miss Philippines 2010: Wrong Answer, No Crown!

I liked best the article from ABC News. According to the writer, the question to Miss Philippines was actually a difficult one that even former US President George W. Bush was also asked the same question but answered nothing.

It also said that even the smartest people find the question tough.

However, it suggests that just like in a job interview, one must always be prepared to answer a question like that. It can actually be asked not only to Venus but to everyone at any time.

I must admit, if I were in Venus' situation, I would also have a hard time pinpointing one big mistake especially when asked on the spot, thus I would just end up answering "nothing" just like what she did.

And also, the question was to cite a big mistake, and not simply a mistake, so it's kinda believable that Venus indeed never had a "big" mistake or in her own terms, "major, major problem".

But those write-ups all boil down to the fact that Miss Philippines Maria Venus Raj could have won if only she gave an impressive answer.

I believe though that even if she answered well, she'll end up as high as 2nd Runner Up only because the winner, Miss Mexico, and the 1st Runner Up, Miss Jamaica, were already the top favorites by the judges.

During the swimsuit round, Jamaica was 1st, Mexico in 2nd and Philippines was 3rd while in the evening gown, Mexico was 1st, Jamaica 2nd but the Philippines was only 5th. That means, the judges (and possible Miss Universe owner Donald Trump) were already eyeing on Mexico and Jamaica as the potential winner.

Venus Raj "Major Major" answer in the Ms Universe 2010 Q&A Portion is trending on Twitter

Miss Universe 2010 4th Runner Up Maria Venus Raj has been trending for hours already on Twitter along with Miss Mexico Jimena Navarrete, the new Ms Universe titleholder.

But also trending is Venus Raj's "Major Major" answer during the Top 5 Q&A portion of the Miss Universe 2010 pageant.

"Major Major" has been trending there as some people making fun of Venus Raj's answer in the said pageant.

According to some, Venus made a major major mistake in answering the question: "What is one big mistake you've made and what did you do to make it right?" She could have been the Philippines' 3rd Miss Universe if she answered it right, they say.

Others suggest that Venus should have answered her mistake in not fixing the details on her birth certificate which brought major major problems to her.

Oh well, whatever they say, Venus Raj has definitely brought major major glory and pride to the Philippines 12 hours after the Manila hostage crisis that put the country into big shame.

It was just unfortunate that the 4 other ladies in Top 5 answered better but how do we know? 2 of them used translators and their answers sounded so good especially when translated.

And remember we were only hoping for a semifinal placement for Venus to end the 10-year drought of the Philippines in Miss Universe. Thus a 4th Runner Up honor is already a major major bonus. Let's just all be proud of her.

Venus meanwhile isn't affected with it. In a phone patch interview with GMA 7's 24 Oras, she just laughed at it and said, "O atleast di ba? 'Yung
major major ko nagbigay ng karangalan sa Pilipinas."

Relive Venus Raj's major major moment...

Video uploaded on Youtube by MrWattatoe

Miss Universe 2010 Official Results: Mexico wins crown, Jamaica in 2nd

MISS UNIVERSE 2010
Official Results
August 23, 2010
Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino
Las Vegas, Nevada

MISS UNIVERSE 2010: Mexico, Jimena (Ximena) Navarrete Rosete
1st Runner Up: Jamaica, Yendi Phillipps
2nd Runner Up: Australia, Jesinta Campbell
3rd Runner Up: Ukraine, Anna Poslavska
4th Runner Up: Philippines, Maria Venus Raj

TOP 10 FINALISTS:
6. Albania, Angela Martini
7. Ireland, Rozanna Purcell
8. South Africa, Nicole Flint
9. Guatemala, Jessica Scheel
10. Puerto Rico, Mariana Paola Vicente

TOP 15 SEMI-FINALISTS:
11. Russia, Irina Antonenko
12. Colombia, Natalia Navarro Galvis
13. France, Malika Ménard
14. Belgium, Cilou Annys
15. Czech Republic, Jitka Válková

SPECIAL AWARDEES:
Best National Costume - Thailand, Fonthip Watcharatrakul
Miss Photogenic - Thailand, Fonthip Watcharatrakul
Miss Congeniality - Australia, Jesinta Campbell

NON-WINNING CANDIDATES:
Angola, Jurema Ferraz
Argentina, Yesica di Vincenzo
Aruba, Priscilla Lee
Bahamas, Braneka Bassett
Bolivia, Claudia Arce
Botswana, Tirelo Ramasedi
Brazil, Débora Moura Lyra
British Virgin Islands, Josefina Nunez
Canada, Elena Semikina
China, Wen Tang
Costa Rica, Marva Wright
Croatia, Lana Obad
Curaçao, Safira de Wit
Cyprus, Demetra Olympiou
Denmark, Ena Sandra Causevic
Dominican Republic, Eva Arias
Ecuador, Lady Fernanda Mina Lastra
Egypt, Donia Hamed
El Salvador, Sonia Cruz
Finland, Viivi Pumpanen
Georgia, Nana Gogichaishvili
Germany, Kristiana Rohder
Ghana, Awurama Simpson
Great Britain, Tara Hoyos-Martinez
Greece, Anna Prelevic
Guam, Vanessa Torres
Guyana, Tamika Henry
Haiti, Sarodj Bertin
Honduras, Kenia Martinez
Hungary, Tímea Babinyecz
India, Ushoshi Sengupta
Indonesia, Qory Sandioriva
Israel, Bat-el Jobi
Italy, Jessica Cecchini
Japan, Maiko Itai
Kazakhstan, Assel Kuchukova
Korea, Kim Joo-ri
Kosovo, Kështjella Pepshi
Lebanon, Rahaf Abdallah
Malaysia, Nadine Ann Thomas
Mauritius, Dalysha Doorga
Netherlands, Desirée van den Berg
New Zealand, Ria van Dyke
Nicaragua, Scharllette Allen
Nigeria, Ngozi Odalonu
Norway, Melinda Elvenes
Panama, Anyoli Abrego
Paraguay, Johana Benitez
Peru, Giuliana Zevallos
Poland, Maria Nowakowska
Romania, Oana Paveluc
Serbia, Lidija Kocić
Singapore, Tania Lim Kim Suan
Slovak Republic, Anna Amenová
Slovenia, Marika Savšek
Spain, Adriana Reverón Moreno
Sri Lanka, Ishanka Madurasinghe
Sweden, Michaela Savic
Switzerland, Linda Fäh
Tanzania, Hellen Dausen
Trinidad & Tobago, LaToya Woods
Turkey, Gizem Memiç
Ukraine, Anna Poslavska
Uruguay, Stephany Ortega
USA, Rima Fakih
US Virgin Islands, Janeisha John
Venezuela, Marelisa Gibson
Zambia, Alice Musukwa

MYKIRU'S LIST AGAINST OFFICIAL RESULTS
1. Philippines - 4th RU
2. Mexico - Ms. Universe 2010
3. Venezuela
4. Ireland - 7th
5. Russia - 11th
6. USA
7. Colombia - 12th
8. Puerto Rico - 10th
9. Trinidad & Tobago
10. Jamaica - 1st RU
11. Albania - 6th
12. Thailand
13. Haiti
14. Dominican Republic
15. Brazil
16. France - 13th
17. Peru
18. Indonesia
19. South Africa - 8th
20. Guatemala - 9th
21. Australia - 2nd RU
22. Spain
23. Korea
24. Ukraine - 3rd RU
25. Curacao
26. Japan
27. Canada
28. India
29. Paraguay
30. Bolivia
31. Uruguay
32. New Zealand
33. Belgium, Cilou Annys - 14th
34. Greece
35. Poland
36. Netherlands
37. Switzerland
38. Sweden
39. Czech Republic - 15th
40. Malaysia

Miss Mexico Jimena Navarrete wins Miss Universe 2010

Heavy favorite Jimena (Ximena) Navarrete Rosete has been crowned Miss Universe 2010.

Miss Universe 2010: Mexico, Jimena (Ximena) Navarrete Rosete

1st Runner Up: Jamaica, Yendi Phillipps

2nd Runner Up: Australia, Jesinta Campbell

3rd Runner Up: Ukraine, Anna Poslavska

4th Runner Up: Philippines, Maria Venus Raj

Special Awards:
Miss Photogenic - Thailand, Fonthip Watcharatrakul
Best National Costume - Thailand, Fonthip Watcharatrakul
Miss Congeniality - Australia, Jesinta Campbell

*That was also their ranking during the Evening Gown Competition.

*The Miss Universe crown stays in the Americas for the 3rd straight year after Venezuela both in 2008 and 2009.

*Miss Mexico and Miss Jamaica were already the clear favorites by the telecast judges since the swimsuit round. Jamaica topped the swimsuit round followed by Mexico and then Mexico ruled the long gown competition with Jamaica in close 2nd.

*It took 19 years for Mexico to have its 2nd Miss Universe titleholder. The last time was in 1991 when Lupita Jones won also in Las Vegas.

*Philippines' 4th Runner Up placement is the country's only and highest placement during the 2000s and the 2nd highest in the last two decades. Miriam Quiambao was 1st Runner Up in 1999.

*It's the 2nd consecutive Most Photogenic award for Thailand.

*It's very rare that a recipient of the Miss Congeniality award enters the semis and even placed 2nd Runner Up.

Photo courtesy of Miss Universe Organization

Top 5 - Miss Universe 2010: Philippines was almost left out of the Final 5

Miss Mexico topped the evening gown competition in the Miss Universe 2010.

Miss Philippines almost didn't make it to the Top 5 because her score was only 0.021 higher than Miss Albania.

Miss Ireland who was predicted to win by some pageant sites and the top favorite by the bookies unfortunately failed to make the final cut.

Here are the Top 5 finalists of Miss Universe 2010:

1. Mexico, Jimena (Ximena) Navarrete Rosete 8.913
2. Jamaica, Yendi Phillipps 8.884
3. Australia, Jesinta Campbell 8.841
4. Ukraine, Anna Poslavska 8.743
5. Philippines, Maria Venus Raj 8.714


ELIMINATED:
6. Albania, Angela Martini 8.693
7. Ireland, Rozanna Purcell 8.548
8. South Africa, Nicole Flint 8.420
9. Guatemala, Jessica Scheel 8.286
10. Puerto Rico, Mariana Paola Vicente 7.971

It's interesting that the Top 5 come from different continents.

Miss Universe 2010 Top 10 finalists revealed after the swimsuit round

The Miss Universe 2 10 Top 15 semi finalists competed in their swimsuit and the 5 candidates with the lowest scores were eliminated.

While the Top 10 advanced to the next round, the evening gown competition.

Here the are Top 10 finalists:

1. Jamaica, Yendi Phillipps 9.426
2. Mexico, Jimena (Ximena) Navarrete Rosete 9.276
3. Philippines, Maria Venus Raj 8.957
4. Ireland, Rozanna Purcell 8.784
5. Australia, Jesinta Campbell 8.543
6. Puerto Rico, Mariana Paola Vicente 8.443
7. Ukraine, Anna Poslavska 8.333
8. South Africa, Nicole Flint 8.229
8. Albania, Angela Martini 8.229
10. Guatemala, Jessica Scheel 8.071

ELIMINATED:
11. Russia, Irina Antonenko 7.843
12. Colombia, Natalia Navarro Galvis 7.641
13. France, Malika Ménard 7.586
14. Belgium, Cilou Annys 7.571
15. Czech Republic, Jitka Válková 7.429


Wow the Top 10 is very favorable. All of them are in my Top 25.

*I hope the Top 5 will be Philippines, Mexico, Ireland, Puerto Rico and Jamaica

Miss Universe 2010 Top 15 semi finalists announced | No Miss USA

The Miss Universe 2010 final is happening right now in Mandalay Bay
Resort & Casino, Las Vegas.

And the Top 15 semi finalists have just been announced. They include:

(in order of announcement)

Puerto Rico, Mariana Paola Vicente
Ukraine, Anna Poslavska
Mexico, Jimena (Ximena) Navarrete Rosete
Belgium, Cilou Annys
Ireland, Rozanna Purcell
South Africa, Nicole Flint
France, Malika Ménard
Australia, Jesinta Campbell
Jamaica, Yendi Phillipps
Russia, Irina Antonenko
Albania, Angela Martini
Colombia, Natalia Navarro Galvis
Guatemala, Jessica Scheel
Czech Republic, Jitka Válková
Philippines, Maria Venus Raj

*Breakdown: 3 from the Americas, 7 from Europe, 1 from Africa, 2 from the Carribean, 1 from Oceania and 1 from Asia

*Biggest "Misses" or the Heavy Favorites who were left out of the semis: Venezuela, USA and Trinidad & Tobago

*It's the 4th consecutive semifinalist for Czech Republic, 3rd consecutive for South Africa and Australia, and 2nd straight year for Puerto Rico, Belgium, France and Albania

*It's Philippines' first in 11 years, Ireland's first after 12 years and Guatemala's first entry in the semis since 1984.

*Mykiru's Final Top 15 Predictions / List of Favorites only got 8 of the official 15 semifinalists but 11 of them are in Mykiru's Top 20, 13 are in Top 30 and 15 are in Top 40. I'm generally happy with the results coz there's no huge surprises and the official Top 15 appeared in almost everyone's favorites list.