Even Bush, US journalists couldn't answer Venus Raj's question
MANILA, Philippines – Miss Universe 2010 4th runner-up Maria Venus Raj was not the only one who had a hard time answering the question on the biggest mistake of her life.
Even a former United States President and several American journalists had a difficult time with the question as well.
According to a report aired on “ABC World News with Diane Sawyer,” former US President George W. Bush could not give a response when a journalist asked him, “What would your biggest mistake be?”
“Mmm... I wish I, you would have given me a, this written, a question ahead of time,” was all that Bush could utter.
The killer question from American actor William Baldwin was said to have derailed Raj’s chances of taking the Miss Universe crown on Monday in Las Vegas, Nevada (Tuesday in Manila).
“She was favored to win, expertly negotiating platform heels and a bikini. Then came the question. That question stopped her in her stilettos,” ABC News’ Sharyn Alfonsi said in her report. “No answer, no crown.”
The Hollywood star asked the 22-year-old Filipino-Indian, “What is one big mistake that you’ve made in your life and what did you do to make it right?”
Raj replied, “You know what, sir, in my 22 years of existence, I can say that there's nothing major major problem that I've done in my life because I'm very confident with my family, with the love that they are giving to me. So thank you so much that I'm here. Thank you, thank you so much.”
Personal question
Aside from Raj and Bush, even job applicants and some ABC News journalists find it difficult to say what their biggest mistake in life is.
Louise Kursmark, director of the Resume Writing Academy, explained to ABC News why that is the case.
“No one likes to admit they make mistakes, especially in a high pressure situation like a job interview, where they're being judged anyway,” Kursmark stated.
“You don't have to bare your soul and tell them everything about yourself,” she said. “You want to pick an example that’s truthful, honest and was a learning experience for you.”
“Good Morning America” news anchor Robin Roberts only said “Mmm” when she was asked the question.
Jake Tapper, the Senior White House Correspondent of ABC News, said: “Certainly not anything I’m gonna say to you national television.”
“ABC World News Sunday” news anchor David Muir replied, “Today? Or like ever?” Only ABC News correspondent John Berman gave an answer—“waxing.”
Raj, meantime, admitted that she got nervous during the question and answer portion.
“Alam mo kasi pag nasa stage ka, may ganoon akong, ewan ko ba, may ganoon akong sakit sa katawan ko na pag nasa stage na ako hindi ko alam ang sinasabi ko,” she told ABS-CBN News.
Worst question went to Venus?
A comment posted on abs-cbnNEWS.com lamented that Raj got an “unfair and akward” query from Baldwin, the worst among the questions thrown at the Top 5 Miss Universe candidates.
“Also has it occurred to you people that Venus got the worst question among all 5 finalists? Contestants 1 thru 4 had easy debate questions. It was easy to take the positive side and give the answer. It was a walk in the park question,” said thegoldenhand.
“‘Yung kay Venus was personal and uncomfortable. It was a question meant for a 5th placer no matter who got the question. I would bet that kahit si Miss Mexico would flounder on her response given that kind of ridiculous question,” thegoldenhand added.
Mexican Jimena Navarrete, the 2010 Miss Universe, was asked by Olympic gold medalist skater Evan Lysacek about her thoughts on the effect of unsupervised Internet on the youth.
“I do believe that the Internet is an indispensable, necessary tool for the present time. We must be sure to teach them the values that we learned as a family,” Navarrete said.
First runner-up Miss Jamaica Yendi Phillipps was asked about her stance on death penalty, 2nd runner-up Miss Australia Jesinta Campbell was asked about the government’s role in prohibiting religious clothing while Miss Ukraine Anna Poslavska was asked about her thoughts on full-body scanners in airports.
Nothing wrong with Venus
Although the Filipino bet was not crowned Miss Universe, abs-cbnNEWS.com HyeongJin wrote: “I am so proud about Venus' achievement. She’s way more beautiful than the winner. She did her best. And she made us proud.”
Another abs-cbnNEWS.com user, waterdragon, defended Raj in his or her comment.
“I don't see anything wrong with her answer to that question. Not even the President of the U.S. were able to answer that question. What more with Ms. Venus Raj? She answered with all truthfulness in her heart. Eh sa wala talaga siyang maling ginawa?”
Raj reiterated that she has not committed any mistake, which is why she was not able to answer Baldwin’s question.
“Wala naman talaga akong mistake na ginawa sa buhay ko. I think it’s not a mistake, never ever… I’m a very positive person. Everything na nangyayari sa akin, I take it as a challenge, something na magiging positive in the end kahit na anong masamang nangyari sa’yo," she told ABS-CBN News after the pageant.
The “major major” phrase in her answer was even a trending topic on Twitter and has become a favorite expression nowadays.
Raj had this to say to those who made fun of her answer: “So what kung ano sabihin nila? At least naging part ako ng everyday conversation nila.”
Was Venus robbed?
Netizen mlSALAS, meanwhile, claimed that Raj was robbed of the Miss Universe crown because she did not use an interpreter.
“We have been disadvantaged for many years now. Our greatest competitors have always taken advantage of using an interpreter and with amazing results… The use of an interpreter is without a doubt our missing link in our quest to bring home the Miss Universe crown,” the user said.
“If Venus was given the opportunity to use an interpreter, it’s certain that she would have given a totally different answer and Miss Philippines would have been Miss Universe 2010.”
But noypiako did not see eye to eye with mlSALAS.
“I beg to disagree with the statement of mlSALAS that Venus Raj was robbed of the Miss Universe crown. The fact is, the judges were not satisfied of her answer – that’s it. Even majority of the Filipinos opined that her answer lacks substance and how it was delivered,” the netizen commented.
“For we all we know Venus Raj tried her very, very best, but that’s all the judges could decide: Fourth Runner-up. Venus Raj herself admitted that she got nervous in the process. Nonetheless, Long live Venus Raj, long live Philippines. You put our country on top of the world,” noypiako added.
A total of 83 contestants joined this year’s Miss Universe pageant at Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. – Report by Ma. Rosanna Mina, abs-cbnNEWS.com; with reports from Dyan Castillejo of ABS-CBN News, Bev Llorente of ABS-CBN North America News Bureau, Agence France-Presse, and Sharyn Alfonsi and Bradley Blackburn of ABC NEWS
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venus answered correctly
who are we to judge Venus? if that is the truth, that she's never made a major mistake in her life, then that was the correct thing to say.
the question was personal, so there should be no right or wrong answer. it's like asking someone what her favorite color is.
also, at 22, she is to young to commit a "BIG" mistake in her life, especially if she is the type who shied away from trouble. seriously, at age 22, the biggest mistake I made was losing my Michael Jordan rookie card. Mr Baldwin's question was for people experiencing middle age crisis.
Oopss, see below.
Oopss, see below.
Major major...Ms. Raj's ironic perfect answer.
Who came up with the bright idea of requiring an interpreter on future Philippine pageant contestant in order to justify Ms. Raj’s royal screw up in lieu of her “major major…” response to the question brought to her in the recent Miss Universe beauty pageant? That’s really smart (sarcasm).
To even go as far as comparing George Bush to her inability to respond to the question at hand, that’s even worst. Don’t you know that George Bush is the dumbest damn president ever?
Look at the bright side, next time a similar question is posed to Miss Raj, she already got the perfect answer. I am sorry, I just can’t help but laugh at the irony of it all.
@ mlSALAS: YES, YES, YES – A BIG NO TO INTERPRETER
After a thorough analysis, I have come to decision to totally support noypiako: A BIG NO TO INTERPRETER, as explained hereof:
From your blog WHAT IS THE SECRET INGREDIENT OF THE WINNERS? INTERPRETER!!! on Fri, 08/27/2010 at 12:37, you stated: “Usually it is only countries where their ONLY language is English that use English in the Miss Universe Pageant. Everyone else uses an interpreter (even if they can speak English) and this includes all the countries that always win.”
Then from your blog WE NEED BOTH !!! on Fri, 08/27/2010 at 21:20, you stated: “Of course using an interpreter does not guarantee a win. Naturally, the rest of the package must be there also.”
Your statement that: “Everyone else uses an interpreter (even if they can speak English) and this includes all the countries that always win.” The phrase “always win” denotes: all the time winning, constantly winning, continuously winning, continually winning, permanently winning, every time winning, forever winning, that could be understood that other countries which do not use an interpreter have no chance of winning. And to me, this is a major, major mistake, inaccurate and a false theory or principle – a fallacy, so to speak.
But this has been contradicted with your statement that: “Of course using an interpreter does not guarantee a win”, which I readily concur. Now, if using an interpreter does not guarantee a win, then why we need it? And mandatory? C’mon.
Miriam Quiambao is a television personality, actress and has a degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Santo Tomas. Miriam Quiambao was trained in Venezuela under the guidance of Osmel Sousa for. Miriam Quiambao faltered during the final question, which tackled the debate of whether a Miss Universe should continue her reign even if she gets pregnant. Note that both Miriam Quaimbao and Miss Botswana (Miss Universe winner) have no Interpreter. Miss Spain (2nd runner-up) used the services of the Interpreter.
On the other hand, Venus Raj obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Communications Arts, major in Journalism with Latin honors (Cum Laude). She works as an Information Assistant for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and in addition to this, she also works as a part-time fashion model. Having a Degree in Communications Arts, major in Journalism with Latin honors (Cum Laude), do you think Venus Raj needs an Interpreter?
Venus Raj said there was nothing wrong with her answer and would give the same answer if the same question is asked today. We will try to analyze what possible verdict the judges would hand down, based on her definite and the same answer if there was an Interpreter.
The question that was asked: “What is one big mistake that you have made in your life and what did you do to make it right?”
Venus answer: "You know what, Sir, in my 22 years of existence, I can say that there's nothing major, major, I mean problem that I've done in my life because I'm very confident with my family, with the love that they are giving to me. So thank you so much that I'm here. Thank you, thank you so much!"
Question in Tagalog: “Ano ang isa sa malaking pagkakamali na iyong ginawa sa iyong buhay at kung ano ang ginawa mo upang ito ay maitama?”
Answer in Tagalog: “Alam mo Sir, sa aking 22 taon ng pagkakaroon, ang masasabi ko na walang mga malalaking pagkakamali na aking nagawa sa aking buhay dahil ako ay tunay na nagtiwala sa aking pamilya at ang pag-ibig na ibinigay nila sa akin. Kaya, salamat na nandito ako. Maraming salamat, marami-maraming salamat.”
Possible Interpreter’s Version: "You know Sir, in my 22 years of existence, I can say that there's nothing big mistake that I've done in my life because I'm very confident with my family, with the love that they are giving to me. So thank you so much that I'm here. Thank you, thank you so much!" (Note: “Major, major problem” were replaced with “big mistake”, to be consistent with the question.)
If we based on the Interpreter’s Possible Version, still the answer lacks substance and was not universally acceptable, that would convince the judges to bestow Venus Raj the crown. It seems, it was Venus Raj stumbling block when she used the words major, major.
It’s not the question of being ashamed to have an Interpreter, but getting the crown without an Interpreter would mean a more honor, more glory and more pride to the Finalist and the country as a whole. Gloria Diaz and Margie Moran got the crown without an Interpreter.
Venus Raj, ikaw ang Miss Universe sa buhay ko – sa buhay ng buong Filipino. Mabuhay ka, mabuhay ang Pilipinas.
YES, YES, YES – A BIG NO TO INTERPRETER
I agree - "A BIG NO TO INTERPRETER"
The proposal to provide Miss Philippines in every international beauty pageant should have a back-up statistics with indubitable facts on the level of her performance especially on the Question and Answer portion. The recent calls that Miss Philippines should be provided (mandatory) with Interpreter based on Venus Raj’s dismal performance, is without doubt insufficient and inadequate. Suffice it to say, the statistics and facts that you have posted here is more than enough to overrule the proposal of providing an interpreter. I agree - "A BIG NO TO INTERPRETER".
Despite however of the result, ‘twas her destiny and Venus Raj deserves respect and support in all her future venture and undertakings.
What more to say
What more to say. You did a major, major research to support your arguments with facts. YES, YES, YES – A BIG NO TO INTERPRETER
I FULLY AGREE
VERY WELL SAID. I FULLY AGREE – A BIG NO TO INTERPRETER. DOWN WITH GLORIA DIAZ.
A BIG NO TO INTERPRETER
Following is the comparative results of Miss USA and Miss Philippines in the Miss Universe Beauty Pageant including the recent one, 2010.
Miss USA: Miss Universe – 7; 1st Runner-up – 8; 2nd Runner-up – 6; 3rd Runner-up – 1; 4th Runner-up – 5.
Miss Philippines: Miss Universe – 2; 1st Runner-up – 1; 2nd Runner-up – 0; 3rd Runner-up – 3; 4th Runner-up – 2.
The above results show that Miss USA had 27 times in the Top 5, but only 7 times got the crown or 26%, whereas, Miss Philippines had 8 times in the Top 5 and 2 times got the crown or 25%, which is a very close or almost identical results.
If the proficiency of the English language is the gauge of getting the crown, Miss USA whose skill and proficiency in English is unquestioned and who has been in Top 5 for 27 times should have a high percentage of chances in getting the crown which should be above 50% and Miss Philippines could get nothing. The same is true to using an Interpreter. Countries which opt to use an Interpreter would always be the winner or in the range between 90 to 95%. But it’s not as opined by mlSALAS that the contestant would feel that they have a friend and ally beside them on stage. We have two at the moment: Gloria Diaz and Margie Moran without Interpreters.
We could recall that in 1999 Miss Universe Beauty Pageant, our own Miriam Quiambao (Miss Phillipines) was the 1st Runner-up and the crowned Miss Universe was Mpule Kwelagobe from Botswana, who both answered the common question in English language, whilst Diana Nogueira of Spain who used an Interpreter landed, 2nd runner up. When the contest was over, there was no issue or a call that Miss Philippines finalist should use an Interpreter. Obviously, because the winner did not use an Interpreter?
On the other hand, Miss Venezuela got the back-to-back crown in 2008 and 2009.
In 2008, the results are as follows:
Miss Universe: Miss Venezuela - Question was interpreted to Venezuelan language, but the answer was in English
1st Runner-up: Miss Colombia – Question was interpreted to Colombian language, but the answer was in English
2nd Runner-up: Miss Dominican Republic - Question was interpreted to Dominican Republic language and the answer was also in Dominican Republic language, interpreted to English
3rd Runner-up: Miss Russia - Question was interpreted to Russian language and the answer was also in Russian language, interpreted to English
4th Runner-up: Miss Mexico - Question was interpreted to Mexican language, but the answer was in English.
In 2009, the results are as follows:
Miss Universe: Miss Venezuela - Question was interpreted to Venezuelan language and the answer was also in Venezuelan language, interpreted to English
1st Runner-up: Miss Dominican Republic - Question was interpreted to Dominican Republic language and the answer was also in Dominican Republic language, interpreted to English
2nd Runner-up: Miss Kosovo - Question was interpreted to Kosovo language and the answer was in also Kosovo language, interpreted to English
3rd Runner-up: Miss Australia – No Interpreter for both Question and Answer (English)
4th Runner-up: Miss Puerto Rico - Question was interpreted to Puerto Rican language, and the answer was also in Puerto Rican language, interpreted to English
With the alarming results of 2008 and 2009, a remarkable back-to-back crown achieved by Miss Venezuela, there was no cry or barking from anybody else, not even Gloria Diaz that Miss Philippines should have an Interpreter. WHY ONLY NOW MS GLORIA DIAZ ET AL?
Venus Raj was robbed of her crown by Binbining Pilipinas Inc. (BPI)? Well, was there any official recommendation from anybody else (Gloria Diaz, et al) that Venus Raj should be provided with an Interpreter and that the same was disapproved by BPI? If that is the case then you are right to say that Venus Raj was robbed of her crown by BPI. However, if there was none, then I think we should stop blaming BPI. But then again if and when an Interpreter was provided and Venus Raj did not get the crown, what will be your argument? Mine? Oh, a very simple one - it’s destiny.
My statement as confirmed/agreed by mlSALAS: “Venus Raj in one of her TV interviews opined that having an interpreter would be more inconvenient as you have to speak Tagalog in every occasion that you will attend and have the interpreter to do his job as required.”
mlSALAS’s statement: “With regards to having to speak Tagalog at all instances and tagging along the interpreter: That is not true. It can be requested from Miss Universe Inc. that the interpreter be used ONLY during preliminary interviews and the final Q & A (if she gets that far).”
With the 2 differing statements above, I would rather be inclined to believe on Venus Raj opinion than mlSALAS’s simply because Venus Raj was there as our Representative/Finalist and she must be more knowledgeable of the rules more than anybody else.
After an extensive soul searching, I still could not a find a justification that an Interpreter is needed.
Finally, what we really need is one who is very articulate, a very well trained communicator in a wide variety of information, it being personal or something else, one who can emphatically expound her ideas, then, A BIG NO TO INTERPRETER.
PEACE!!!!
I agree - "A BIG NO TO INTERPRETER"
The proposal to provide Miss Philippines in every international beauty pageant should have a back-up statistics with indubitable facts on the level of her performance especially on the Question and Answer portion. The recent calls that Miss Philippines should be provided (mandatory) with Interpreter based on Venus Raj’s dismal performance, is without doubt insufficient and inadequate. Suffice it to say, the statistics and facts that you have posted here is more than enough to overrule the proposal of providing an interpreter. I agree - "A BIG NO TO INTERPRETER"
Despite however of the result, ‘twas her destiny and Venus Raj deserves respect and support in all her future venture and undertakings.
What more to say
What more to say. You did a major, major research to support your arguments with facts. YES, YES, YES – A BIG NO TO INTERPRETER