Oh so major

HEAR her melodious voice! Venus Raj landed as fourth runner-up in the Miss Universe 2010 beauty race. She survived through a dethronement ordeal and—well, isn’t it funny?—caused one Swarovski necklace to drop, lost in a sea of a rowdy crowd, as host Bret Michaels described it.

“You should have seen the Mandalay Bay Events Center—Philippine flags all over, as though it was President Noynoy’s inauguration. I jumped from my seat when Venus’ name was called. I lost my Swarovski necklace, but who cares?” beamed Yari Paris, a Los Angeles-based, Filipino-American beauty expert who was present at the pageant venue held in Las Vegas last Aug. 24, Tuesday, standard Philippine time.

Updates on President Benigno Aquino III's presidency

Whether you’d take it as a classic Victoria Beckham expression of delight at the sight of Marc Jacob’s Curiosite pearls, or take it as a slang word for anything exotically appealing, “major” is the most appropriate word one can think of when a fortuitous turn of destiny happens.

With that, Raj is a major—in a room full of oddities—in any language, and is a magical thing. While social networking sites have been flooded with comments about using “major” twice in one sentence, it became less of a matter.

Out of 83 beauties from different parts of the world, Raj completed the 2010 Miss Universe court with Miss Mexico Jimena Navarette as the title holder, and her runner-ups Miss Jamaica Yendi Phillips, Miss Ukraine Anna Poslavska, and Miss Puerto Rico Paola Vicente. Fashion-wise, positive or not-so-flattering feedback, Raj’s choice of gown in the evening wear competition was a major. Or so what some Cebuanos think.

“Though I’ve heard some negative comments about her gown, specifically the big ribbon, which covered her shoulders, I’d say that I still appreciate it because she was able to carry it well and with much elegance. After all, in beauty pageants, it’s not the gown that should be emphasized but rather the woman’s grace and true beauty, which usually shines from within,” says Kirstie Joan Babor, 2009 Miss Earth Phillippines-Water. Make-up artist Wen-Wen Zaspa approved of the contender’s look. As for Raj’s styling, he lauded the dark eye shadow that perfectly went together with the pale lipstick.

On the other hand, fashion designer Edwin Ao did think the dresses [worn by the candidates] were elegant, but he was more concerned with waiting for another Venus Raj-like charisma: “Do we have to wait for another 10 years?”

Fashion designers Wendell Quisido and Norman Aspiras had knowing nods of approval about Miss Venezuela Marelisa Gibson’s glittering neckline. The sparkling accents—courtesy of expensive beads and intricate labor—made her stand out.

“The fashion (seen in) Miss Universe this year is more fabulous than last year’s—from the lovely opening number dress to the ultra luxe evening wear,” observed Aspiras.

Most of them were so stunning in their gowns. From the top 10 finalists, I would have to say that Miss Mexico, Miss Philippines, Miss.Jamaica, and Miss Ireland were equally elegant in strutting their gowns on the stage. Also, it was Miss Ireland and Miss Puerto Rico who had the most beautiful gown among the finalists. For those who didn’t make it to the top 15, it was Miss Venezuela’s gown that really caught my attention—a regal blue gown with crystals on the neckline.”