Miriam Quiambao

The Miss Universe pre-pageant is underway and the Filipinos are truly keeping their fingers crossed that our candidate Maria Venus Raj would make the final cut. Raj may have had a shaky start at this year’s pageant—having been embroiled in a controversy regarding her citizenship when she nabbed the Binibining Pilipinas-Universe title—but reports coming from Las Vegas, Nevada, have been very positive of late.

“TV Patrol” has reported that Raj has been impressive and self-assured during the activities, thanks to the overwhelming support she has been getting from fellow Filipinos there. Elsewhere online, Binibining Pilipinas Charities Chairman, Stella Marquez Araneta, reportedly commented on Raj doing very well, describing her as a strong candidate.

As the preliminary judging begins, to narrow down the candidates to the top 15 semi-finalists, Bulletin Entertainment asks Miriam Quiambao, 1999 Miss Universe 1st Runner-up, about her own experiences at the pageant and what she thinks of Raj’s chances.

“It was my first time to be out of the country and on my own. I was blessed to have been sent and trained in Venezuela for a week where I learned to do the catwalk, physically and mentally prepare myself for the pageant. Interaction with Pinoys I met along the way was the most memorable for me because it was when I really felt their love and support,” she shares.

As such, she says, “Venus will have a great time because the US is filled with Pinoys and she will definitely feel their support.” This vote of confidence would do Raj well, Quiambao thinks, during various pre-pageant activities where she would also be judged.

Quiambao may have a lot of great memories at the pageant, but a couple stands out. “The recovery on the stage at pre-pageant was memorable as well as the actual coronation night. I'm grateful for the experience,” she says. Quiambao famously wowed the crowd with how she handled that little blunder at the pre-pageant that could have spelled disaster for her bid.

Quiambao has had one of the better finishes at the competition since Margie Moran took home the Miss Universe crown in 1973, and Raj seems to be following her lead. A simple farm girl with dreams of being a beauty queen, this back story may be a plus for her but she attributes her popularity in the official Miss Universe online poll to Filipinos all over the world. “I never realize na magiging number one ako sa ganun. Ang galing talaga ng mga Pilipino, sobra,” Raj told Bulletin Entertainment in an interview several days before she flew to the States.

Of Raj’s lead at the polls, Quaimbao says, “The internet craze was just starting during my time and we were fortunate to have had the chance to chat with fans from all over the world. I wasn't aware of such a poll, or my standing during my time. I was too caught up in the activities that it never came to me until I fell and rose onstage at pre-pageant night. It's great, though, that as technology progresses, more and more Pinoys can now express their support online. I was also able to vote for her on the Miss U website and invited my Twitter followers to do the same.”

“Many have high hopes for her. I think she has what it takes: she's tall, morena, beautiful and smart,” Quiambao adds. “Her exotic looks will definitely catch their attention… this, on top of the news about the threat to her Binibining Pilipinas crown. It's great that she was able to go anyway and represent her country. She definitely has a big chance in winning the title. If it is God's will, it will be hers.”

When asked if we have a chance to win the crown, Raj exhibited both confidence and strength of character. “We have! Yeah, we’ll win,” she declares. “Kasi lagi kong sinasabi… people believe in me… ba’t ako mag-gi-give up? Eh Sila nga hindi nag-gi-give up sa akin. Tapos ako na parang… nandyan na sila’t lahat sumusuporta, nandyan ang sambayanang Pilipino’t naniniwala sa ‘yo, ikaw hindi maniniwala sa sarili mo?”

Whereas Quiambao says the Miss Universe pageant changed her life by helping her “expand my views and broaden my horizons”—giving her the opportunity to start a showbiz career starting from co-anchoring TV shows and other hosting gigs—she also believes this experience would only bring better things for Raj.

“It will definitely open doors for her whether she brings home the crown or not. Exposure to travel and to different people will mature her in public relations and global awareness. The title will provide an avenue for her success in whatever she chooses to endeavor. Her life will now turn around because she will be recognized everywhere she goes and she will have to learn how to deal with that,” Quiambao states.

And her message to Raj is this: “I'm hoping that she will use her popularity for the common good. She is a Christian and I'm glad that she has that support to keep her grounded. My humble advice is to be grateful for everything and thank God for what he is doing in your life.”

As we keep out fingers crossed and wish Venus Raj good luck, the Filipino people nevertheless has found another symbol of hope in these uncertain times, putting her alongside President Noynoy Aquino, whom millions of Filipinos hope would finally clean up the government and make our lives a little better, and champions of Pinoy pride Manny Pacquiao and Charice Pempengco.

The 2010 Miss Universe beauty pageant happens at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada on August 23, 2010 (airing on ABS-CBN on August 24). The celebrity panel of judges includes: illusionist Criss Angel; actor, producer and writer William Baldwin; musician Sheila E; "MSNBC Live" anchor Tamron Hall; 2010 Olympic Gold Medalist and 2009 World Figure Skating Champion Evan Lysacek; Oscar nominated actor Chazz Palminteri; singer/actress Chynna Phillips; multiple Emmy and Golden Globe winning actress Jane Seymour; and international supermodel Niki Taylor.

See also:

• Venus Raj makes the top 10
• Miss Universe goes nude; RP’s Raj teaches them how to behave
• Another mishap: beauty queen dies
• Venus mourns, but is ready to shine
• Quiambao on Raj: 'She has what it takes…'
• Raj a top choice for Miss Universe crown