RISING FASHION STARS

VENUS RAJ

FINDS HER LIFE'S

TRUE CALLING

Miss Philippines / Miss Universe
2010 4th Runner-up Venus Raj
Wardrobe by Feliciano Ador
Art Direction by Rain Ramas
Produced by Mita Quiogue
Photography by JunJun Donesa

Venus Raj

The Goddess of Beauty
Finds Her Life's True Calling

W
e were in Clearwater, Florida the week Venus Raj was in New York City, and some hair-pulling was involved when we realized the missed opportunity after we got back. Thankfully, it wasn't difficult to reach out to the 2010 Miss Philippines™ and Miss Universe™ runner-up on-line — and true to first-person accounts of real-life encounters with the beauty queen during the Arise Mindanao show on Fifth Avenue in August 2018, Venus was anything but aloof and unaccommodating.

It was a rare privilege to find out a little more about the real person behind the beautiful façade of one of the Philippines' iconic celebrities, albeit in a short interview. — ANPJ/¹

Wardrobe by Feliciano Ador

GruffDraft: From photos, videos, and first-person accounts of your short stay, we've seen how easy and comfortable people were with you as you were with them. How did being a celebrity nurture your outlook in life and the way you deal with people in general? Has it always been pleasant?

Venus Raj: My mom was very strict when my siblings and I were growing up. She taught us to respect people regardless of where they come from or whatever status in life they are in. I experienced being bullied when I was younger. I experienced having nothing (financially). I also know how it is like to deal with different types of people. When I was exposed to the showbiz industry, it was my mom who continuously reminded me to respect others, and now that I am a follower of Jesus, I have learned to apply the golden rule: treat people the same way that you want them to treat you. I've learned all this over time — the hard way. It is a lifestyle. It’s not a one-time thing. It’s a process.

What can you say about celebrities' general tendency to act out their diva complex?

I can only speak for myself. I came to a point in my life in the past when fame got into my head. When I was tired, I had the tendency to ignore people and not consider how they felt. Eventually I realized that this attitude is not pleasing to the Lord.

We take it this was your first time in the Big Apple? Tell us about your fondest memory here.

It was my first time to visit New York! I was ecstatic! Aside from the amazing scenery and sumptuous food, I enjoyed my time with friends, and also my visit to Queens Bible Church, where I shared God’s story in my life.

What is your personal comfort food, and did you find it NYC on your last visit?

I like eggs! But I enjoyed my steak and cheesecake moments in New York as well.

Would you remember how you met Feliciano Ador? How did you happen to collaborate with him on the Mindanao Arise fashion show in Manhattan?

Jun is a friend of Shamcey [2011 Miss Philippines and Miss Universe 3rd runner-up Shamcey Supsup-Lee]; it was through her that I met him.

Please tell us your favorite pieces from this collection.

I love all of them. But my personal favorite are the coats — they're elegant and can be worn at different formal events.

Wardrobe by Feliciano Ador

Wardrobe by Maxine Mayo

We have witnessed through the years your passion for caring for underprivileged communities back home. What are your future plans in terms of serving the needy in our country?

Today, I am part of a faith-based non-governmental organization called Rescue Kabataan Elevate. We are in partnership with the national government (Office of the President), local government, the National Youth Commission, the Department of Education, and Christ Commission Fellowship. We speak to high school students and discuss with them the things that they are going through at this stage of their lives. Some of these topics focus on depression, suicidal tendencies, pre-marital sex, teenage pregnancy, addiction, pornography. We want them to feel that they are not alone in this journey, that they have their big sisters and big brothers to share their struggles with, and that there's hope in the Lord who awaits them.

How do you think we, regular folks and ordinary citizens, can help in that endeavor?

If you are a parent, please ask your children how they are, and look beyond what they say. Make them feel loved, because if they are not loved at home, they will look for love in the wrong places and in the wrong people. If you are a friend, be sensitive in dealing with your friends. They might need a shoulder to lean on, they might need a pair of ears to listen to them. Or they might need a pair of arms to hug them when they feel hurt. We can all contribute something in loving one another.

Do you think our country's rabid obsession with beauty pageants is one of our weaknesses?

Anything in excess is always bad. I think we are not yet at that level.

Looking back at your extraordinary journey to get to where you are today, what are the most important lessons you want to share with everyone, especially girls and women in the Philippines?

Do not invest in something that are perishable like material things and outward looks; invest in something that has eternal value like relationships. Money, fame, title, possession, position — they will not fill the vacuum in a woman’s heart, even man’s. No one could ever satisfy the longings and fill the emptiness in our hearts except the love that comes from the Lord Jesus. A woman should not be defined by her belongings, such as branded bags or shoes, but to Whom (capital W) she belongs. If her identity is found in Christ, she will not lack anything, and she is sure of who she really is.

Anything at all you want to change, if you could?

None.

Wardrobe by Maxine Mayo