Venus Raj, the country's representative to this year's Miss Universe pageant, said she is more determined to win the crown after hearing about the passing of her fellow beauty titlist, Melody Gersbach. “I'm sure Melody would like me to pursue my quest. I'm dedicating this Miss Universe (bid) to her,” Raj said. Gersbach, who made it in the Top 15 of the Miss International pageant held in China last year, was supposed to attend the screening of Miss Bicolandia as one of the committee members. She passed away in a car-bus collision in Bula town, Camarines Sur, together with her make-up artist Alden Orense and driver Santos Ramos Jr. Her companion, Ronald Lita, survived. Four bus passengers, meanwhile, were reported hurt. The driver of the bus, identified as Wilson de los Santos, has surrendered to the police in nearby Pili town. He said he lost control of the bus its tie rod broke, hitting Gersbach's car. Police authorities have charges charges of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide and multiple physical injuries against the driver. – ABS
