Maria Venus Raj, born on July 7, 1988, is not only celebrated for her beauty and grace but for her extraordinary journey to the international stage as Miss Universe 2010 fourth runner-up. A Filipino actress, model, and pageant titleholder, Raj rose to prominence in the 59th Miss Universe pageant, famously remembered for her “Major Major” response in the question and answer segment.
But behind the glitz and glamor is an inspiring story of resilience, humility, and determination that defines her success. Her story reminds us that with hard work, humility, and faith, even the most challenging beginnings can lead to triumphs that inspire generations.
Early Life and Education: A Story of Humility and Perseverance
Born in Doha, Qatar, to an Indian-American father and a Filipino mother, Venus Raj was the youngest of five siblings. Shortly after her birth, her family returned to the Philippines, settling in Bato, Camarines Sur. Raised in a small nipa hut in the middle of a rice field, Raj’s early life was marked by hard work and simplicity. With no electricity, Raj and her family lived off the land, relying on the rice paddies for sustenance. Her unique upbringing imbued her with resilience and determination, traits that would shape her journey.
During her childhood, Maria Venus Raj found creative ways to pursue her dreams despite limited resources. She began joining local beauty pageants and oratorical contests, displaying a natural grace that set her apart. At San Vicente High School, her English teacher became her mentor, encouraging her to compete in public speaking competitions. Each victory became a stepping stone to something greater, with prize money going toward buying land on an installment basis to improve her family’s living conditions.
Driven by ambition, Maria Venus Raj pursued higher education at Bicol University in Legazpi City, where she graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in communication arts, majoring in journalism. Thanks to a scholarship from the Francis Papica Foundation, she completed her studies despite financial challenges. The years she spent building her educational foundation laid the groundwork for her future accomplishments.
From Local Pageants to Miss Universe: Venus Raj’s Path to Fame
Venus Raj’s journey into the world of pageantry began with Miss Philippines Earth in 2008, where she was crowned Miss Philippines Eco Tourism. Her victory hinted at her potential, sparking a deep desire to represent her country on a global stage.
After working as an Information Assistant for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in the Bicol Region, \Maria Venus Raj returned to the pageant scene in 2010 and won the coveted title of Binibining Pilipinas Universe. Her victory granted her the honor of representing the Philippines at Miss Universe in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Raj’s Miss Universe journey was not without its challenges. Following her Binibining Pilipinas victory, she faced a potential disqualification due to citizenship issues. A passionate outpouring of support from Filipinos worldwide, combined with intervention from the Miss Universe Organization, reinstated her as the Philippines’ official delegate. This moment became a testament to her resilience and the strong support she inspired among her countrymen.
Miss Universe 2010: The Iconic “Major Major” Answer
On the Miss Universe stage, Maria Venus Raj captivated audiences with her elegance, poise, and distinct Filipino charm. Her participation was groundbreaking, as it marked the end of a decade-long drought for the Philippines in the competition’s Top 15. During the question-and-answer portion, she faced a question about her greatest mistake and what she did to correct it. Her response, famously remembered as “Major Major,” became iconic and cemented her place in Filipino pop culture.
Although Maria Venus Raj finished as the fourth runner-up, her “Major Major” moment turned her into a cultural sensation. More importantly, she rekindled the Philippines’ pride in international pageantry, marking the beginning of a historic streak for the country in the Miss Universe pageant.
Life After Pageantry: Empowering Others and Continued Education
Raj’s Miss Universe achievement opened doors in the entertainment industry. She joined the ABS-CBN morning show Umagang Kay Ganda, where her genuine personality endeared her to viewers. As her career flourished, she pursued her true passion for community development, enrolling in a master’s program at the University of the Philippines Diliman. Her focus on community empowerment aligned with her personal values and desire to give back.
In 2021, Maria Venus Raj completed a certificate program at the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics in Oxford, England, further deepening her commitment to faith and education. Maria Venus Raj’s dedication to learning and growth demonstrates that true success is about continually striving to become a better version of oneself.
Personal Life and Advocacy: Finding Strength in Faith and Family
In December 2023, Maria Venus Raj married her longtime boyfriend, North Orillan, in a beautiful ceremony, marking a new chapter in her life. Before finding lasting happiness with Orillan, she had a one-year relationship with Andrei Felix. Her journey through personal and professional challenges has always been strengthened by her strong faith and close-knit family ties.
A true advocate for the Filipino people, Raj’s mission extends beyond her accomplishments on the pageant stage. Her involvement with organizations like “Care For Children” highlights her passion for youth empowerment. Through speaking engagements, Raj has continued to inspire young Filipinos, especially those from rural communities like her own, reminding them that dreams are achievable, no matter the circumstances of their birth.
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