Major, Major.

There has been too much fuzz on the answer of Miss Philippines, Maria Venus Bayonito Raj during the interview segment in the recently concluded Miss Universe 2010 Beauty Pageant held at Las Vegas, Nevada. Asked by pageant judge William Baldwin, "What is one big mistake that you've made in your life and what did you do to make it right?" Venus Raj answered "You know what, Sir in my 22 years of existence I can say that there is nothing major major, I mean, problem that I have done in my life. Because I am very confident with my family, with the love that they are giving to me. So, thank you so much that I am here, thank you thank you so much." Is there something hilarious about the answer more so the question that lead to the answer? I say none and we should take the question and the answer in a major, major way.


First. Looking intently at the question of Mr. Baldwin, I would say that we (not just Venus Raj) should have seen it coming. The question consciously asked or not, is tied on the Philippine hostage drama which has just ended approximately 15 hours ago. The drama which has put the Philippines (our country) into an uncompromising and ridiculous stature is rooted on the supposed BIG MISTAKE done against the hostage taker. He even composed a sentence in this regard and posted it at the door of the bus.


Second. "What is one big mistake that you've made in your life and what did you do to make it right?" This question is not solely intended for Venus Raj. This is in fact addressed to ALL FILIPINOS around the globe. Mr. Baldwin has a unique way of conveying his message in the most subtle manner. As Filipinos and as one united country, we have done a major, major mistake in indirectly tolerating the carnage that caused the lives of eight (8) Hong Kong Nationals. No matter where we go as Filipinos, the burden of redeeming the mistake one Filipino has done is passed on to the shoulders of each of us. What is it that we can do to correct it? What would be our own personal answer to the question?


Third. The question sums up the stories behind the life story of Venus Raj in her quest for the Miss Philippines and the Miss Universe crown. She was dethroned months prior to the preparation of the Miss Universe pageant, a judgment that in itself is a big mistake that needs to be corrected not by Venus Raj but by the organizers of the Philippine Pageant. Did Venus Raj made a mistake by joining the Miss Philippines Pageant with her complicated nationality or did the organizers committed a blunder with the huge oversight? Has the mistake been corrected by re-instating Venus Raj as Miss Philippines?


Fourth. Did Venus Raj made a mistake by not answering the question according to the preference of the elites and the wannabees? Is there something as a wrong answer in an interview that asks about your personal preference? If a preference is wrong, then what on earth is acceptably right? This reminded me of an old friend that hides on the complicated issues in her life and refuses to accept what she really and truly feels. Just like Venus Raj, I can’t blame her, it’s her way of answering the question - and for that she deserves a slot in the Miss Universe next year.


Fifth. Behind the answer and the question, let us open our eyes. Fourth place finish for Miss Philippines, Venus Raj, was a MAJOR, MAJOR win! Not to mention that she is a true blooded Bicolana and that’s a major, major pride for all of us. Viva Bicolandia. Viva Bicolana. Questions?