The Philippines made it! (yes, after 11 years)

This is one good thing to celebrate. The Philippines made it to Miss Universe after a decade of non-placement to the semi-final round of the most prestigious pageant. I actually set aside my blogging responsibilities just to follow updates about her on Twitter, Facebook fan pages, and pageant site forums. Indeed, the time I spent over it did not put into waste. After all, it is only now that our country had a very strong candidate for Miss Universe.

Pageant fans were all rejoicing as Venus Raj was last called during the top 15 announcement. I myself got nerve-wracked when all 14 girls were called plus USA, Venezuela, and some strong Latin countries were not still there. I was watching alone simultaneously checking updates on the web and on the delayed television broadcast. Somehow, if I also video-taped myself I may look like these guys jumping all over as Philippines made it to the semis.



During the swimsuit, Venus did her best. I love her walk here compared to the preliminaries. She boosts a lot of confidence. The pony-tailed hairstyle really helped a lot emphasizing her face and great figure. Her evening gown design is not quite impressive for me but with the way she carry it have her a ticket for the top 5.

Photo courtesy of missosology.org

After announcing the finalists, every Filipino is now expecting her to win. She has it all. Until there is the final question which is the game-changer, as the host said in the pageant. The Philippines finished fourth runner-up, the highest achievement after Miriam Quiambao, first runner-up 1999.

"What is one big mistake that you did in your life and what did you do to make it right?" This question blocked the chance of the Philippines to have its third Miss Universe. According to some reviews, this question seems easy but even persons of higher positions had a hard time answering this. To mention, even former US President George Bush is glued when given this question.

Her answer became an instant hit and a trending topic on Twitter for hours. She goes, "In my 22 years of existence I can say that there is nothing major, major... problem that I did in my life because I am confident with my family and the love that they are giving to me." There is no wrong in her answer but I guess everyone expects more from her answer.



Congratulations Venus Raj!

Venus Raj's Get-to-Know Video in Miss Universe

I just watched Miss Philippines' official video in the Miss Universe website and I just transcribed it, for me to have something to do. LOLZ!!! I think she did great though her weakness is obviously repeating her points over and over again, but she managed it gracefully. Here is the full interview. Enjoy!

Q1: Being a woman, what piece of advice would you give to a man?

V: Wow, it's wonderful! You know there is a lot of things that men can also learn from women, but I think one major advice that I can give to men is that just be with themselves. I mean, just be themselves, like you don’t need to pretend, if you’re hurt you can cry. If you feel bad you can express yourself in a way that you want. No need to pretend that you’re strong or you’re this big, no need. If you want to do everything just do it. You’re a man… I know every man is strong but if you’re hurt you can cry out loud if you want to.

Q2: What is the best gift you have ever received?

V: Wow! I think the best gift I’ve ever received is the love of my parents, specially my mom because I grew up without my biological father but the love that my mother is giving me is wonderful. It cannot be compared to any other love or any other gift that you receive from other people… and that is perfect! Everything goes so smooth and she is like an angel from heaven.

Q3: What is the worst date you have ever been on?

V: Date… whoah! I’m not really that fond of dating with guys (grins).. No, I actually had two boyfriends before but it was not that long and… well, I don’t know. I just don’t experience date really, I mean not that very serious. I go out with friends. I go out with guy friends but not that very serious with like boyfriend or a suitor. You know, I’m too young, I’m just 22. (laughs)

Q4: Please make the following sound effects: lion, car starting, rocket launching, sheep, cow, robot

V: *lion* I think it’s rawwwwr, is it? No?
*engine starting* vroooom… vroom droom… droom… woa, that’s good.
*rocket launching* tssszhhhhhhhh!
*sheep* meeeeeeh! (laughs)
*cow* moooooaaaaah!
*robot* erk erk erk erk (laughs)

Campaign for Venus Raj, 22, Philippines

Binibining Pilipinas-Universe Maria Venus Raj is currently leading in the online ratings provided by the official website of Miss Universe. (See related article.)

Although these ratings have no bearing at all in Raj's possible inclusion to the semi-finals, at least we can somehow prove the Miss Universe Organization and the world that we are in full support of a deserving winner for the title. Later on, NBC will also provide online polls for Miss Photogenic Universe 2010. We shall all watch out for that and support Venus Raj all the way.

We hope to maintain Philippines at the top!

Dealing with floods

All right! So our city is such a beautiful city, so maybe that is why floods visit us regularly. What I mean by regular is when rainy season comes specifically the months of August until November, expect water to rise up to knee-deep or even higher than that.

Last year, we actually planned to reconstruct our home because the actual ten years of dealing with floods is such a pain in the ass. It was a terrible experience that every time we wake up for school; having to dip our feet to the coldness of flood waters just to go to the bathroom. After that we will also cross over floods on our way outside to reach the pave ways. Boots will never work out so we have to walk barefooted holding our bags, socks and shoes. Sometimes, we became late for school and worst thing about it was when the teachers did not believe that we have to struggle long flood ways just to be in school. Our place, I think, is the only place left low-leveled after the constructions of many subdivisions and villages within the city.

Now that rainy season is in again, I know we have to suffer for floods again. Our family managed to construct high level flooring for us not to get wet again. But our roads still will be filled in with water. Hoping someday that we will be able to stop dealing with floods ever.

The depression syndrome

Welcome back to me! lolz.. oh well it has been a long time since my last entry because you know what, I have lots of ideas on my mind but I don't know how to break it all down into pieces to have it into writing. Somehow, writing needs some inspiration for it to be fruitful.

But as much as I wanted to make posts as light as possible, there are times that down moments suddenly come across making you pause for a second, a second that went to minutes and even hours, I know, that is not pause anymore. To correct things up let's us say that I stopped for a couple of days just imagining things, contemplating with so many stuff and filling my thoughts with different images and piled my tummy with lots of food and liquids, and so much more.

So, I end this post to think again and maybe post something later. Take care!!! ..out..