Venus Raj: No hand in Rica leaving UKG

MANILA, Philippines – Beauty queen Venus Raj, 2010 Binibining Pilipinas-Universe and Miss Universe 4th runner up, laughed off speculations that she had something to do with Rica Peralejo and some hosts leaving ABS-CBN morning show “Umagang Kay Ganda (UKG).”
Raj, along with Iya Villania, will join the UKG gang starting Monday. Raj will deliver the latest and the hottest showbiz reports.
She will also host the newest segment of the show, “Barangay Bida,” which will air every Friday.
Peralejo bid goodbye to the show on Friday last week.
In her live interview on “The Buzz” Sunday, the 22-year-old beauty pointed out that she is in no position to demand who should go or who should stay in the TV program.
She explained that some hosts opted to leave the TV show so as to give them more time to do other things.
In Peralejo’s case, Raj said the young actress-host is planning to study. “Gusto din niyang mag-concentrate sa kanyang pag-aaral.”
She added: “May iba magco-concentrate sa news. ‘Yong iba magco-concentrate sa projects, kung anumang meron sila. Hindi naman po ako ang naging dahilan.”
Raj was also all praises for her UKG co-hosts. “Sobrang accommodating. Hindi mahirap mag-adjust kung ganoon kabait ang makakasama ko.”
As for criticisms that she is not a good choice to become a new host of UKG, the 2010 Miss Universe 4th placer said she respects their opinions. She asked them to give her a chance to show that she can do her job.
“Hindi ko tatanggapin ang isang project na hindi ko kaya. Alam kong kaya ko kaya tinanggap ko,” she said.