TV5-Kapatid

With her newfound fame, after finishing 4th runner-up in the Miss Universe 2010 pageant, Maria Venus Raj's career threatens to go on high speed.

She is not only modeling, she may also end up hosting Willing Willie, the hottest entertainment program lodged on what is traditionally primetime news hour.

Last Saturday, October 30, Venus Raj strutted alongside two other beauty queens—Ms. Earth 2004 Priscilla Meirelles and Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2009 Bianca Manalo—in the high-profile Philippine Fashion Week's "Leeberation Day," at the SM Mall of Asia Atrium.

After the show, Venus reveals an even bigger gig. She tells PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) that, yes, she is being eyed to be co-host to Willie Revillame in his new evening program, Willing Willie, on TV5.

She confirms that Willie himself followed up on the hosting offer recently.

"Nagkita kami before, kasi may isang fashion show akong dinaluhan. And then nagkita kami, and then sinabi niya, 'O, kumusta na yung offer?'. Sabi ko, 'Hala! hindi ko pa po alam, depende po sa Bb. Pilipinas.

"Sinabi ko na hindi lang naman ako 'yung magde-decide about that kasi nakakontrata ako with Bb. Pilipinas Inc., so lahat po ng decision-making magshe-share kami, parang ganun."

She adds that there is as yet no official word on the outcome of the offer, but she believes that the Bb. Pilipinas Corporation Inc. (BCPI) management and Willie's camp are already communicating with each other.

" I think iwo-work out naman nila," Venus tells PEP.

The 20-year-old Bicolana beauty admits she is overwhelmed with Willie's offer.

"Overwhelming sa part ko 'yon. Imagine, marami namang kababaihan sa bansa natin na sikat. pero kino-consider niya ako na maging isa dun. It's an honor for me!"

NEW LIFE. With the 360-degree turn in her life, from her simple quiet life in Bato, Naga, to the frenzied life of a celebrity, Venus agrees that her new life is a little more complicated.

"Mas complicated ang buhay? In a way, in a way. Siguro, oo, pero alam mo 'yon, I'm still trying my best to manage everything na lumabas na maganda at maayos."

Venus's family, used to the quiet of the ricefields they tend, are also slowly getting used to the celebrity status of their beauty-queen daughter.

"Medyo naninibago pa sila, pero alam ko na makaka-adjust sila."

As for her lovelife, Venus says it is yet to come.

"Sana nga. Sana nga. Honestly, wala, e. Pero, I don't know. I don't know. Kung nagpaparamdam, oo, meron, pero hindi ganun ka seryoso ang dating," the beauty queen smiles.

She also agrees that men might be intimidated with her newfound title.