Maria Venus Raj, a Bicolana from Bato, Camarines Sur, is among the Top 10 Finalists in the Miss Universe 2010 pageant. Earlier, she topped the first 15 candidates in Online Poll and is among the Top 15 in Swimsuit for the Miss Universe Pageant .

Raj was born on July 7, 1988 out of wedlock in Doha, Qatar. Her mother is a Bicolana while his father is said to be an Indian national.

Raj was awarded the title Bb. Pilipinas Universe 2010. She was stripped off the crown after some controversies involving her citizenship. However, after the Department of Foreign Affairs proved that she is a Filipino citizen by virtue of jus sanguinis, the crown was returned to her.

Raj grew in Bato and studied in Bicol University where she graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Communication Arts in Journalism. She was also conferred the honors of Cum Laude.

Aside from the Bb. Pilipinas Universe title, she also won the Miss Philippines Earth Eco Tourism 2008 and Miss Bicolandia 2007.

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