Just like the successes of Manny Pacquiao at the Mandalay Bay Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, Binibining Pilipinas-Universe Venus Raj said she wants to bring home the crown from the same venue when she competes in the Miss Universe Pageant on August 24.
Before flying to the United States, Raj paid a courtesy call on Pacquiao, the 7-division world champion and Sarangani province congressman, on Tuesday.
Raj was evidently excited to meet the “Fighter of the Decade” for the first time. She had some boxing gloves signed and even asked Pacquiao for advice on how to win in Las Vegas.
“Basta kailangan confident ka. Isipin mo lang nasa Pilipinas ka lang. Marami naman mga kababayan natin doon na susuporta sa iyo,” Pacquiao told Raj. “Tatawagan natin mga kaibigan doon para matulungan ka.”
Raj, who is set to go to US on Sunday, was very thankful for the encouragement that Pacquiao gave her.
“Ang saya-saya ko talaga… Thank you talaga,” Raj said. “Gusto ko manalo tulad ni Manny.”
No. 1 in Miss Universe poll
Raj is aware of the stiff competition in the upcoming Miss Universe Pageant, that is why she is doing everything she can to return the crown to the Philippines.
The last time a Filipino was named Miss Universe was in 1973 when Margie Moran won in Athens, Greece. In 1969, Gloria Diaz became the first Miss Philippines to win as Miss Universe in the pageant held in Florida.
Meanwhile, Raj expressed happiness over her No. 1 ranking in the online rating of fans in the Miss Universe website.
“Thank you talaga sa lahat na nagsuporta, alam ko hindi lang mga Pilipino iyon,” she said.
As of posting time, Raj is trailed by Miss Venezuela Marelisa Gibson at No. 2, Miss Mexico Jimena Navarrete at No. 3, Miss Colombia Natalia Navarro at No. 4, Miss Indonesia Qory Sandioriva at No. 5, and Miss USA Rima Fakih at No. 6.
The 2010 Miss Universe Coronation Night will be held at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, Mandalay Bay Events Center on August 23, Monday.
The pageant will be aired live on ABS-CBN Channel 2 on August 24, Tuesday. –With a report from Dyan Castillejo, ABS-CBN News
