Venus shines as herself in inspiring 'MMK' story

MANILA -- ABS-CBN's drama anothology "Maalala Mo Kaya" told the inspiring life story of 2010 Miss Universe 4th runner-up Venus Raj on its episode Saturday night . The episode, entitled "Korona," shows how Raj, who grew up in Bato, Camarines Sur, overcame ridicule for her skin color early in her life to become one of the most adored women in the country. The beauty queen played the role of herself in the episode. Raj touchingly acted out and retold various milestones in her life, like her first encounter with pageants in fifth grade, her first love and heartbreak, her Miss Philippines Earth Ecotourism win and controversy, and eventually her Miss Universe. The episode also features a cameo appearance of her friend, recently crowned Miss Universe 3rd runner-up, Ariella Arida. "Korona" was written by Benson Logronio and directed by Nuel Crisostomo Naval.