Venus and Nicolette

Controversial beauty queens Maria Venus Raj and Helen Nicolette Henson are training simultaneously for the upcoming 59th Miss Universe pageant, “24 Oras” reported on May 3.

The still-unofficially reinstated Raj remains as the Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. (BPCI)’s prime choice to represent the country in the international competition. She will regain her title if she produces a valid Philippine passport until June.

Should she fail to do so, then Binibining Pilipinas Second Runner-up Nicolette Henson, will step in.

In an interview on “24 Oras” on Sunday, Henson said she and Raj simply shrug off intrigues that seemingly pit them against each other.

“Masaya ako na nagkita na kami ulit and things are back to normal na talaga. ‘Yung mga tao na lang talaga ‘yung gumagawa ng issue. Hayaan na natin. Kasi parang kanya-kanyang bets lang din naman ‘yung mga tao,” she said.

The 21-year old Pampanga beauty added that she and Raj are more focused on their preparations for Miss Universe, which takes place in August.

“Focus kami sa training namin so kung anuman ‘yung mag-transpire in the next coming weeks, sana suportahan na lang natin kung sino man,” said Henson in an interview aired Monday.

“24 Oras” added that BPCI gave its assurance that someone will definitely be sent to compete in Miss Universe.

Raj was stripped off her crown last March 29 after the organization found “inconsistencies” between her legal documents and verbal testimonials.

On the same day, Henson was declared as her replacement since First Runner-up Dianne Necio was not qualified, failing to meet the minimum age requirement (18 years old) for the pageant.