Serna: Venus, the strongest candidate in years

BEAUTY contest enthusiasts in the country had waited year after year for a new queen since Miriam Quiambao grabbed the first runner-up slot in the Miss Universe pageant.

That was more than 10 years ago when the country’s representative (i.e. Quiambao) was noticed and was among the elite circle from which the world’s most beautiful woman would emerge.

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It was understandable then why Filipinos pinned high hopes on Ma. Venus Raj.

I disagree with the view, though, that the reason why Venus landed only as fourth runner-up was her answer to the crucial question. On hindsight, her answer had sense and, according to her, that was how she felt so who can argue with her?

Neither would I agree to the observation that of the top five, she was the least beautiful. No. Plus a major, major no! She was reportedly considered by Miss U. organizers as the country’s strongest candidate in years.

Some say that the final question is not intended to gauge a candidate’s intelligence.

In more ways than one, such a question gauges how well the candidate can maintain her poise, grace and composure under such grueling, pressure-filled condition.

Some judges even give high scores to candidates who apologize and honestly say that they don’t have the answer to the question and yet are able to stay calm and confident.

In the final analysis, the crown was not really meant for Venus. We will have to wait for another time (after another number of years, perhaps) for another Filipina who will be as popular and as strong as Venus.

In the meantime, let’s regard her fourth runner-up finish as a, well, major, major achievement. It really was, wasn’t it?

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Last weekend, some entertainment scribes dined and rubbed elbows with the hosts of two locally produced TV shows over ABS-CBN, namely: Kapamilya Mas Winner Ka (KMWK) and Mag-TV.

The occasion was to celebrate their inclusion to the top 10 most-watched TV shows in the region (or was it in the entire country?) because of their high rating.

I already met Katrina Ros, Roy Empleo, Christine Fernandez (of KMWK) and Blinky de Leon (of Mag-TV) before, but it was my first time to be up close and personal with Phoebe Fernandez, Kris Nimrod “Borgy” Cabigas and Dan Genson (the two hunks are recent additions to the hosting list).

The encounter was a lively one, with some of the hosts showing their singing talents to our delight. A photo session took place before we dispersed.

Here’s a wish for the two shows to continue highlighting the beauty of Cebu and its people, and for them to maintain the patronage of the viewing public. Congratulations!

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A musical group, simply called String Ensemble, dished out retro music during the dinner-launching of Citta Di Mare. The place is an upcoming city by the sea by Filinvest (headed by “homecoming” Cebuano Andrew Gotianun Sr.) at the south reclamation properties.

The video presentation showed how beautiful the place will be when finished. It is composed of at least five zones that include residential, commercial and relaxation areas to name some. Boler Binamira and TV personality Cathy Gabronino were the program hosts. This year’s Miss Cebu Reena Elena Malinao and her court were on hand to assist and guide the guests. As expected, the event was a success.

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Multi-awarded actor Christopher de Leon admitted that he had a particular scene in the movie Sa ‘Yo Lamang that left him so tired after the shoot.

His revelation was actually the answer to my question about a particular scene that was different from his previous roles and whether he found it difficult.

Diether Ocampo (also in Sa ‘Yo) confessed that he had no heavy scenes and even considered the last episode of Rubi as more demanding.

Christopher and Diether flew to Cebu to attend the first-of-its-kind simultaneous premieres for the movie, Star Cinema’s 17th anniversary treat, in the cities of Cebu, Davao and Manila.