Showbiz Tsismis: Venus Raj rises

After beauty queen-turned TV personality Venus Raj broke up with Andrei Felix, she laid low for awhile. But the former Miss Universe 3rd runner-up is back on TV doing what she now does best, travelling and hosting, the perfect anti-dote to a lonely heart.

How has life been after the break up?

I have moved on, honestly. That is so old-news. I am happy where I am now and excited because after a dry spell, I am back on TV with a new show.

Tell us about it.

It’s called Business Flight, a travel and inspirational show in one. We get to travel around the world to feature exciting destinations while also sharing success stories of Filipino overseas workers. For our pilot episode, we went to Nagoya in Japan. This is also my first time to do a travel show, so I am really excited. It keeps my mind busy, in addition to my studies at the University of the Philippines.

It’s just unfortunate that I could only stay in Nagoya for two days, as I had to rush home for my class and I am wrapping up production of an indie film entitled Ang Tweet Ni Florante Kay Laura. So there was no time to shop or go around, which I really love doing. But still, I had a great time in Japan, you should watch out for our first episode.

You will be sharing hosting chores with well known businesswoman Cristina Decena. How do you feel about that?

Oh, it’s an honour. She has accomplished so much in her life, she is an inspiration herself. It’s great that I will be co-hosting the show with her because her inputs will be valuable in putting together a success story — her life is one so she would know how to break it down.

The Philippines has had a good year so far in international pageants. What are our chances next year?

I believe we have so many beautiful women who are still either undiscovered or may still be feeling they are not right for beauty pageants. At one point I thought I was not good enough – I am not what you would call a typical Filipina’s beauty icon. Hopefully beauty pageant organisers can be more proactive and go to the countryside a bit more – there they might find the jewels who will continue our “winning” streak in international pageants.