MARIA ISABEL LOPEZ

Former Bb. Pilipinas-Universe Maria Isabel Lopez unleashed a mouthful against Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc.’s (BPCI) head Stella Marquez de Araneta.

Lopez did so Thursday when asked to comment about the dethronement of Maria Venuz Raj during the “Working Girls” press conference at the Gateway Suites in Cubao, Quezon City.

“Hanga ako kay Venus Raj dahil sa katapangang ipinakita niya. Ang difference lang noong time ko, I wasn’t given a choice na mag-resign or [be] dethroned. Ang binigay lang sa aking option ay mag-resign so... it paved the way for a very successful showbiz career.”

The former beauty queen directly lashed out at Araneta.

“Ang BPCI under the leadership of Stella Marquez de Araneta, alam naman natin na napaka-elitista niya at napaka-matapobre. Kaya niya gawin yan sa kagaya ni Venus Raj na galing sa mababang pamumuhay. Ang BPCI ay dapat hinahawakan ng isang Pilipino at hindi ng isang elitistang banyaga.”

Ironically, the Gateway Mall, where the press conference was held, is part of the Araneta Center. “Naku nasa Araneta Center pa naman tayo. Teritoryo nila [the Aranetas] ito, baka buhatin nila ang upuan ko palabas dito,” she said in mock fright.

Ruffa Gutierrez, herself a controversial Bb. Pilipinas World winner, also supported Raj. She recalled an experience in the early ’90s when she joined Bb. Pilipinas, taking it all the way to Miss World where she was crowned Second Princess.

“I was very controversial when I joined in 1993. Gusto rin nila akong tanggalan ng korona noong time na yun, kung hindi lang matapang ang mommy ko. Sabi ng mommy ko, we’re gonna sue pag hindi nila ako pinadala so wala silang choice but ipadala ako.”

She added, “I remember when I went to South Africa to compete, isa lang kasama kong supporter from Bb. Pilipinas, of course my family naman was there but when I won, hindi lang iisa ang nandun, marami nang naka-support. To Venus Raj, I wish her the best of luck. Bilib ako sa kanya for fighting for what she believes in. Let’s give her a chance to represent the country.”

Ruffa also talked about the pageant’s screening process.

“Umpisa pa lang [ay dapat] i-screen na nilang mabuti yung mga contestants kasi it’s very embarrassing sa contestant na ma-dethrone. I really think it’s the screening committee [who should be blamed for the fiasco].”

Ruffa and Maribel are part of the cast of “Working Girls” produced by Viva Films, GMA Films and Unitel Productions.

Directed by Joey Reyes, the movie also stars Iza Calzado, Jennylyn Mercado, Bianca King, Cristine Reyes, Carmi Martin, and Eugene Domingo.