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Date Posted: 13:01:02 04/11/10 Sun
Author: VRLovers
Subject: Courage & Commitment



Dethroned beauty-pageant winner Maria Venus Raj seems to be well on her way to reclaiming her Binibining Pilipinas-Universe title.

In a statement released over the weekend by Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI), only one condition stands in the way for Venus to represent the country in the Miss Universe pageant in August: a valid passport.

The statement, which came from the office of BCPI head Stella Marquez de Araneta, reads: “We have reassessed the situation pertaining to Ms. Maria Venus Raj and have decided, for humanitarian reasons, that if she is able to obtain a valid Philippine passport, we will reinstate her as the reigning Bb. Pilipinas-Universe.”

In the weeks since it was announced that she had been stripped of her crown and title, on account of supposed inconsistencies in her pronouncements and her documents, Venus has generously granted interviews for print, blogs and television to let the public know her sentiments, and to get the sympathy of the public to join her in her fight questioning the decision and reclaiming the title she worked so hard for.

On Facebook alone, a “Petition for Venus Raj to Remain as Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2010” has already drawn more than 4,000 supporters, with many posting their protest about her dethronement issue and how Araneta and fashion designer Pitoy Moreno have been running the local pageant over the years, producing no winners on the world stage since 1979.

“I’m happy that we have won the first round, but the fight is far from over. I’d like to thank everyone who fought with me, who prayed with me, and who did not think twice to have their voices be heard. There is a long way to go until August and I’m in the process of consulting with my lawyers to make sure that we get the valid passport that they require,” Venus said in an interview, adding, “We’ll take it step by step.” Venus has become an inspiration to many, because of the courage she has shown throughout this period of confusion and heartbreak. She spoke her heart and mind and never doubted that she was fighting the “right battle.”

“It has always been a dream to become a beauty queen, and I worked so hard and prepared myself for years. When I was finally blessed with the crown last month, that dream came true. Then they stripped me of my title for reasons that I could not comprehend nor accept. So I decided to speak up and let my voice be heard. I’m glad that I am not alone in the fight, that people from all walks of life have joined me and asked for clarification and explanation. That has given me the strength and the courage. I’m glad that hope is finally within reach again. You don’t give up your dreams just like that,” she added.

Queen of Hearts

Celebrated broadcast journalist and news anchor Mel Tiangco thinks that her work in GMA Kapuso Foundation is more than just a calling. “It is a commitment,” she told us during an intimate late lunch at The Old Spaghetti House, adding, “It’s more like a labor of love because when you’re able to help others, the happiness you feel becomes priceless.”

For almost 20 years now, Mel has been devoting a big chunk of her busy work time to the foundation, joining her dedicated staff and team of volunteers in various projects that continue to help our less fortunate countrymen. “I’m almost always seen on TV bringing the news into homes, but if the opportunity permits, I join our team in medical missions, in special projects, in anything where my presence can help. I cannot describe the joy I feel every time I’m doing field work, because you never even realize that you have already made a difference in the life of someone who needs it the most,” she enthused.

Almost a million beneficiaries were served by the foundation in 2009, in areas like health, family wellness, disaster relief, education and even values formation. According to Arnel Hiloma, executive director of the foundation, people who lack opportunities and security are the foundation’s main priorities, “Through our programs, we are able to give basic necessities to the people. The projects under the health and disaster-assistance programs take into account the immediate need for gathering of resources and providing services to the marginalized, afflicted and affected in times of diseases and crisis, both natural or man-made.”

Mel added, “We’d like to help one Filipino in need at a time, changing one life at a time, giving one opportunity at a time, and hope that each life we touch becomes a catalyst of change.”

For this year, the foundation has decided on a thematic guide for each month. Last month focused on women and this month is Cancer in Children Awareness Month. “We have scheduled circumcision activities in May and our school rehabilitation projects are well under way, turning over new and newly renovated school buildings,” Mel proudly shared.

Other projects are prostate checks for men, wheelchair-giving, sight-saving activities and their regular feeding programs.

How does Mel Tiangco relax given her tight schedule? “I get a massage regularly. I guess that’s how I treat myself. And every year, our family spends time together on vacation. Life has to have balance, don’t you think so?”

She added, “But the one thing I have no calling for is politics. I have nothing against those who are so into politics, but in my own opinion, I think that you can help whoever you are, whatever profession you have. And we all know how cruel politics can be, so for me, no thank you.”

Mel Tiangco was recently feted with the CEO Excel Award by the International Association of Business Communicators.

By:

Written by Ricky T. Gallardo / All Access
Monday, 12 April 2010 18:53
ref: http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=23961:courage-a-commitment&catid=32:life&Itemid=68

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