by Timeless Beauties Missosology
Hers was a rags to riches story. She was a lithe beauty who used the boundaries of rice paddies to practice her catwalks. Her dark skin and lanky physique was ridiculed but she always wanted to be a beauty queen. When Ma. Venus Raj was crowned as Miss Philippines Universe, she never met her real father and she just graduated with honors in her college. But her victory was short-lived. Sort of.
Her crown was stripped off from her due to allegations that she is not a Filipino citizen and her birth certificate contains irregularities. Unfazed, Venus went into the national stage to fight for what she thinks is hers.
Fast forward, Venus eventually competed at Miss Universe 2010. Her compelling story drove hundreds if not thousands of fans to support her. She failed to win the crown but her story is an inspiration for the many who dared to dream and to those who fought for what is right and just. And, as any Timeless Beauty, Venus’ story lingered well after the final curtains of Miss Universe 2010 were drawn.