Miss Universe 2015

Congratulations! 

Miss Universe 2015 is Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach!

 Filipinos are very proud of you!

Final Question - Why should you be the next Miss Universe? Pia replied with confidence “To be a Miss Universe is both an honor and a responsibility. If I were to be Miss Universe, I will use my voice to influence the youth and I will raise awareness to certain causes like HIV awareness that is timely and relevant to my country, which is the Philippines. I want to show the world, the universe, rather, that I am confidently beautiful with a heart." 

Miss Universe 2015 pageant was held at The Axis at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino, December 20,  Las Vegas, Nevada. First Runner- Up is Miss Colombia, 2^nd Runner-Up is Miss U.S.A. The long wait is over. After forty-two years, Philippines finally made it to win the elusive Miss Universe crown.  Pia is Philippines third Miss Universe. Gloria Diaz, Philippines first Miss Universe won the crown in 1969.

Margarita Moran, Philippines second Miss Universe won the crown in 1973. 

Miss Philippines Runners–Up for Miss Universe

2013 Ariella Hernandez Arida  3^rd Runner-Up

2012 Janine Marie Raymundo Tugonon 1^st Runner-Up

2011 Shamcey Gurrea Supsup – 3^rd Runner-Up

2010 Maria Venus Bayonito Raj – 4^th Runner-Up

1999 Miriam Redito Quiambao 1^st Runner-Up

1984 Maria Desiree Ereso Verdadero – 3^rd Runner- Up

1980 Maria Rosario Rivera Silayan – 3^rd Runner-Up

1975 Rose Marie Singson Brosas - 4th Runner - Up

You Are Beautiful

This past Thursday, at break time my office mates had been busy browsing one website we are allowed to open at work. I thought it was some kind of fashion show they had been crazy about. I glanced at the website. It was the Miss Universe Beauty Pageant. I was advised our very own Miss Philippines is among the top fifteen semi finalist. Stefania Fernandez, outgoing Miss Universe from Venezuela will crown her successor on the 23^rd of August in Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas Nevada, United States. 

Maria Venus Raj, is our candidate to this prestigious beauty pageant. She was previously disqualified by the Miss Philippines organizer, Binibining Pilipinas Charities, after winning the crown for Miss Philippines-Universe. Allegedly the disqualifications were due inconsistencies on her birth certificate and her pre pageant interviews. She was born out of wedlock by a Filipina mother fathered by an Indian gentleman, when her mother was working in Middle East country. Her citizenship was questioned being born in Qatar but she lived all her life in Bato Camarines Sur, one of provinces in Bicol Region, Philippines. She was brought to the Philippines as infant and never knew her Indian father. Despite her tender age at twenty-two this talented beauty fought for her rights. Armed with dedicated supporters who hired lawyers to defend her title, the Binibining Pilipinas Charities reversed their decision and allowed Venus to compete for the coveted Miss Universe crown.

Here is more about this young Filipina beauty
http://www.mariavenusraj.com
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venus_Raj

Win or lose this young lady will be in the heart of many Filipinos.  She had shown exemplary strength despite the odds. An office mate teasingly asked me why I did not join a beauty pageant. I told him I am under height, for five feet and two inches. ☺