MANILA -- Malacanang on Tuesday lauded the victory of Miss Philippines Venus Raj after she was declared as fourth-runner-up in this year’s Miss Universe pageant held in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Secretary Ricky Carandang said the success of Raj was considered as a “bright spot” after a gloomy hostage crisis in Quirino Granstand that claimed the lives of several Hong Kong nationals.

“Success of Venus Raj is a bright spot in an otherwise sad day for our country,” Carandang said.

Miss Mexico Jimena Navarrete was crowned Miss Universe 2010.

Miss Jamaica Yendi Phillipps ended up as first runner-up, Miss Australia Jesinta Campbell was second runner-up, and Miss Ukraine Anna Poslavska settled third runner-up. (Jill Beltran/Sunnex)