Venus Raj Graduates from UP

Major Major Congratulations!

We used to see her wearing the Philippines sash but this time, she's wearing a different but a very meaningful one - the Sablay! Miss Universe 2010 4th Runner-up Maria Venus Raj graduated from the University of the Philippines last June 25, 2017. After four years of dedication, hardwork, perseverance, and prayers, Venus finished her Master's Degree in Community Development program.

Venus wearing the UP Sablay during their graduation last June 25, 2017 in UP Diliman.

According to Venus, getting the sash, UP's Sablay, is harder than competing for the Miss Universe sash. But now that she successfully graduated, finishing a program that is really close to her heart gives her a different kind of joy and fulfillment.

She chose the Community Development program because it was something that is close to her heart. She also realized that it was also where she came from because she immersed herself and served a community similar to where she was raised and grew up (Bato, Camarines Sur) as a part of the activities associated to her chosen program.

She admitted that there were times that she felt like giving up already, just like what a normal university student would feel, but with God's grace and guidance in her journey, she was grateful that she was able to surpass it.

Venus has no plans to leave the showbiz industry because there are still a lot of opportunities but she is more than willing to apply her learning in graduate school when the need arises.

Here's a look on her Sablay Journey.

Queen V's first day in graduate school!

Data gathering for her research paper

A research paper about the role of women in disaster risk reduction and management.
Queen V is all about women empowerment here!

TITLE PAGE. Venus' final thesis for her graduate school program.

Done and dusted! Venus presented her final work, her thesis in hardbound copies, to her professors.

Venus with her UP professors.

Venus proudly sings the UP Hymn. (Photo from Inquirer.net)

Venus' proud family

Even after Miss Universe, you still continue to make us proud! You deserve this blessing because you make yourself a blessing to others - a true mark of a queen. May God bless you more, Queen Venus! Padayon!

Again, congratulations, Queen V! ✨ 👑 🎓

(Photos from Venus Raj's Instagram account)